Pont romain du Cheix

Pont Romain du Cheix is a stone bridge spanning the Morge river in the village of Le Cheix-sur-Morge, in the Puy-de-Dôme department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Despite its name suggesting a Roman origin, the structure was actually built much later, at the end of the Middle Ages.

Why is it called the "Roman bridge" if it isn't Roman?

The bridge's official historical name is "Pont de César" (Caesar's Bridge), but it has become widely known simply as "Pont Romain." Architectural analysis dates the structure to the 15th or early 16th century — the late medieval period — rather than to Roman times. The legend of a Roman origin has nonetheless persisted and remains embedded in local tradition and naming.

The bridge was listed as a French historical monument in October 1974, recognizing its value as a surviving example of the region's older bridge-building traditions.

What will you see on site?

Pont Romain du Cheix is a single-arch bridge, with the arch spanning thirteen meters. The structure is bordered by a low parapet, and one of its most distinctive features is an access ramp set at a clear angle to the bridge itself, rather than running in a straight line with it. This layout, unusual for the region, makes the bridge notable even beyond its age, particularly for visitors interested in historic construction methods.

Historically, the bridge served as a dry crossing point for donkeys and provided access to the old Château de Cheix, which was destroyed in 1593. The château no longer stands, but the bridge remains as a physical trace of the village's former layout and routes.

Why does this bridge show up in film history?

In July 1969, director François Truffaut filmed scenes in the commune of Cheix-sur-Morge and its surroundings for his film "L'Enfant sauvage" (The Wild Child), with one scene shot at the bridge itself. This gives the site a layer of cultural significance beyond its architectural and historical value, as a filming location tied to French cinema.

How do you get there?

The bridge is located in Le Cheix-sur-Morge, a small village in Puy-de-Dôme, not far from Riom. It makes for a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Auvergne region by car — the bridge sits along the Morge river in a quiet, rural setting, away from heavier tourist traffic.

When is the best time to visit?

The bridge can be visited year-round, though spring and summer offer the best conditions for photography and walking, when the surrounding greenery and the Morge's water levels create a scenic backdrop. This isn't a heavily developed tourist attraction with visitor infrastructure — it's better suited to travelers looking for quieter, lesser-known heritage sites in Auvergne.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pont Romain du Cheix actually date back to Roman times? No. Despite its name, the bridge was built at the end of the Middle Ages, in the 15th or early 16th century. Its real historical name is "Pont de César," but it's commonly known as the "Roman bridge."

Is the bridge legally protected? Yes, it has been listed as a French historical monument since October 1974.

What was the bridge originally used for? It served as a dry crossing for donkeys and provided access to the old Château de Cheix, which was destroyed in 1593.

Does the site have any connection to film? Yes — in 1969, François Truffaut filmed scenes for "L'Enfant sauvage" at the bridge.