Pont de Tréboul

Pont de Tréboul is a suspension bridge spanning the Truyère River between the villages of Sainte-Marie and Lieutadès, in the Cantal department of the Auvergne region in France. It's a place where past and present overlap — a modern crossing stands above a centuries-old stone bridge that only reappears from the water on rare occasions.

What will you see there?

The current bridge is a 159-meter suspension structure, opened in 1935. It was built as a direct consequence of the Sarrans Dam, constructed between 1930 and 1934, which flooded the Truyère valley and created a large reservoir. The bridge's steel cables and slender profile stand out sharply against the rugged, mountainous terrain of Cantal, and crossing the valley on foot or by car offers striking views even for visitors who have seen plenty of suspension bridges before.

But the modern bridge isn't the only story here. Beneath the reservoir's waters lies an older stone bridge, dating back to the 14th or 15th century. It was already listed as a historic monument in 1927, before the dam was even built. When the reservoir's water level drops low enough to expose the valley floor — as happened in 1979 and again in 2014 — the old bridge resurfaces, giving visitors a rare chance to see a structure that otherwise stays hidden underwater.

What else is worth knowing about the area?

About a kilometer from the bridge, toward Sainte-Marie, once stood a mineral spring known as Fon del Sol. In the 19th century it was developed into a small spa, with its waters used to treat various ailments. Today the site is quiet, but it's a reminder of an era when the region's springs drew visitors seeking treatment.

How do you get there?

Pont de Tréboul sits on the boundary between the communes of Sainte-Marie and Lieutadès, in the heart of Cantal — a region known for its volcanic landscapes and deep river valleys. The easiest way to reach it is by car, following local roads that trace the Truyère valley. The area is also popular with anglers and hikers, for whom the reservoir and bridge serve as a natural landmark.

When should you visit?

The suspension bridge can be visited year-round, but the most interesting time to come is when the water level in the Sarrans reservoir drops — that's when there's a chance to glimpse the submerged historic bridge. These drawdowns are infrequent, so it's worth checking local updates if seeing the old bridge is the main reason for your visit. Beyond that, the bridge and surrounding valley are especially scenic in spring and autumn, when Auvergne's landscape colors are at their richest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the old stone bridge always visible? No. It lies beneath the waters of the Sarrans reservoir and only appears during periodic drawdowns, such as those in 1979 and 2014.

How long is the modern suspension bridge? It measures 159 meters and was opened in 1935, shortly after the Sarrans Dam was completed.

What was Fon del Sol? A former mineral spring located about a kilometer from the bridge, developed into a small 19th-century spa.

Where exactly is Pont de Tréboul located? The bridge is in the Cantal department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, on the boundary between the communes of Sainte-Marie and Lieutadès.