Pont du Diable, Hérault

Pont du Diable, Hérault is a medieval stone bridge spanning the gorge of the Hérault river, about 4 km northwest of Aniane, in the Hérault département in southern France. The name "Pont du Diable" ("Devil's Bridge") is shared by several bridges across France, but this one, set between Aniane and Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, is among the best known.

Why is it called the Devil's Bridge?

Devil's bridge legends are fairly common in this part of France, and they usually follow the same pattern: the crossing was so difficult to build across a narrow, rocky gorge that the devil himself supposedly offered to help, in exchange for the soul of the first living creature to cross once it was finished. Local villagers were said to have outwitted him by sending an animal across first instead of a person. Stories like this circulate around several bridges bearing this name in France and belong to local folklore rather than documented construction history.

How old is the bridge, and who built it?

The Pont du Diable dates back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest surviving bridges in France. It was built where the Hérault river cuts through steep, rocky slopes, forming a deep gorge. The bridge made it easier for pilgrims and travelers to reach the nearby abbey at Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, a stop on one of the historic French routes of the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James).

Why is the bridge linked to UNESCO?

The Pont du Diable lies along a route inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. This UNESCO listing covers key monuments and sections of road tied to the historic pilgrimage network across the country, and the bridge over the Hérault, connecting both sides of the gorge on the way to Gellone Abbey in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, is one of those recognized points.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

At this point, the Hérault river gorge has striking turquoise-green water and steep limestone walls, which is one reason the area draws visitors, kayakers, and swimmers in summer. The bridge is a natural starting point for exploring the gorge, and the picturesque village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert lies close by, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, with a Romanesque abbey at its center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Pont du Diable located? The bridge spans the Hérault river about 4 km northwest of Aniane, in the Hérault département, between Aniane and Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

How old is the bridge? It dates from the 11th century, making it one of the oldest surviving bridges in France.

Is the Pont du Diable part of a UNESCO World Heritage site? Yes, it forms part of the French sections of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

What can visitors do around the bridge? The Hérault gorge here is popular for kayaking and summer swimming, and the nearby village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, with its Romanesque abbey, is well worth a visit.