Pont sur le Doubs (Navilly)

The Pont sur le Doubs in Navilly is a stone road bridge spanning the Doubs river in the village of Navilly, in the Saône-et-Loire department, at the heart of Burgundy. Beyond its reputation as an admired piece of eighteenth-century engineering, the bridge still carries traffic today, connecting both banks along the route of a former royal road through the Bresse countryside.

Who built the bridge and when was it completed?

The structure was raised between 1785 and 1790 to a design by Émiland Gauthey, chief engineer of the province of Burgundy and one of the leading bridge builders of his era in France. Gauthey aimed for a light, economical structure: the bridge runs nearly flat, with five spans formed by shallow segmental arches that are further lightened by internal hollow chambers. The finished crossing measures 156 metres long and just under 9.8 metres wide.

What makes its design distinctive?

The piers are shaped with pointed, ship-like cutwaters on both the upstream and downstream faces, a form chosen to help the structure withstand the pressure of floodwater and drifting ice during high water on the Doubs. On the upstream spandrels of the arches, carved ornaments in the shape of reeds framing a jar double as spouts that channel rainwater away from the bridge's gutters. This blending of decoration and drainage function reflects the eighteenth-century engineering tradition, in which visual refinement was treated as inseparable from structural purpose.

How did the bridge fare during the Second World War?

Near the end of the Second World War, retreating German forces destroyed three of the bridge's five arches with explosives. The Lyon-based firm Pérol rebuilt the missing spans to match the surviving 1790 structure exactly. As part of that reconstruction, the carved spouts on the rebuilt arches were created by two young sculptors from the nearby town of Buxy, Robert Rigot and Ivan Avoscan, both of whom later became recognised artists. As a result, the bridge presents a visually unified appearance today despite the wartime damage.

Why is the bridge a protected monument?

Given its historical and engineering significance, the bridge holds official Monument Historique protection, covering one of its spans over the Doubs. The listing reflects its standing as one of the more complete surviving examples of Enlightenment-era French bridge design, still largely intact despite the disruptions of the twentieth century.

What else is worth knowing for a visit?

Navilly sits within the Bresse area of Saône-et-Loire, surrounded by the quiet river landscapes typical of the Doubs valley. The bridge is best appreciated from the riverbank, where both its distinctive piers and the carved detailing on the arches are visible up close. It makes a worthwhile stop for travellers exploring Burgundy's smaller river villages away from the busier tourist routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Navilly bridge? The bridge was designed by Émiland Gauthey, chief engineer of the province of Burgundy, and completed in 1790.

How long is the bridge and how many arches does it have? It has five shallow segmental arches, spans 156 metres in length, and is nearly 9.8 metres wide.

Was the bridge damaged in the war? Yes, German forces destroyed three arches at the end of World War II; they were later rebuilt to match the original exactly.

Is the bridge a protected landmark? Yes, one of its spans is listed as a Monument Historique in recognition of its architectural and historical value.