Pont Saint-Laurent

Pont Saint-Laurent is a stone bridge across the Saône linking Mâcon with the town of Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône. Roughly 215 metres long, it is considered the oldest bridge on the river, with written records confirming its existence as far back as 1077.

What does the bridge look like?

The crossing rests on a long series of stone arches, added and altered across different periods rather than built in one go. In the second half of the 15th century, six additional arches were built to redirect part of the Saône's flow toward the Bresse plain, easing the flooding that regularly hit Mâcon. In 1843, four arches were raised to make room for river navigation underneath. The result is a bridge with a slightly irregular but distinctive rhythm of arches that still carries road traffic between the two banks today.

What is the history behind it?

As early as 1221, Bishop Aymond ordered the crossing fortified and placed it under the protection of Saint Nicolas, patron saint of boatmen — a sign of how central the bridge was to trade and river transport on the Saône. For centuries it was the only permanent link between the two banks in this stretch of the river, which made it a strategic target during conflicts. In September 1944, retreating German forces attempted to blow it up to slow the advancing Allied troops, but the bridge survived and remains in daily use. It has been listed as a historic monument in France since 1987.

How do you get there?

Pont Saint-Laurent sits right in the middle of the Mâcon urban area, so reaching it is straightforward whatever your mode of transport. By car, it forms part of the local road network connecting both halves of the city, while pedestrians and cyclists can cross freely on the sidewalks running along the roadway. The Saône riverbanks nearby offer some of the best vantage points to take in the full length of the structure.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

A walk across the bridge pairs well with a stroll along the Mâcon quaysides, where the row of arches reflects in the Saône, especially striking at sunset. On the Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône side, a quieter, less touristy townscape contrasts with the lively centre of Mâcon on the opposite bank. It makes for a worthwhile short stop while exploring Burgundy and the Saône valley.

When is the best time to visit?

The bridge can be visited year-round, since it is an active road crossing rather than a paid attraction with limited hours. Spring and summer offer the best conditions for photos and walks, when the riverbanks are lively and evening light brings out the texture of the stone arches. In autumn and winter, the bridge takes on a starker, more historic character that architecture photographers tend to appreciate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pont Saint-Laurent the oldest bridge on the Saône? Yes, it is regarded as the oldest surviving bridge on the river, first documented in a text from 1077.

Can pedestrians and cyclists cross the bridge? Yes, alongside car traffic, sidewalks on the bridge allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross between Mâcon and Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône.

Why was the bridge nearly destroyed in 1944? Retreating German forces tried to blow it up to slow the Allied advance through France, but the bridge survived intact.

Is there an entrance fee to visit the bridge? No, Pont Saint-Laurent is a public road crossing, open at all times and free to visit.