Pont sur le Salon

Pont sur le Salon, Montot (Haute-Saône)

At the northern edge of the village of Montot, on the road leading to Delain, a stone bridge spans the Salon river. For centuries it has served a simple but essential purpose: carrying travelers across the valley and linking the two banks of the river. For anyone touring the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, it's one of those quiet, lesser-known stops worth a short detour while exploring the Haute-Saône countryside.

What is this bridge and exactly where is it?

The bridge sits at the foot of Montot, on its northern side, along the route toward Delain. The Salon river beneath it winds through a peaceful rural stretch of Haute-Saône. The structure is built from stone and made up of seven semi-circular arches, each fitted with cutwaters that split the current — a common feature of older stone bridges, designed to shield the piers from the force of the water.

What is the history behind the bridge?

The bridge dates back to the 17th century, when it originally had just five arches. In 1765, two more arches were added, work generally credited to Jean-Charles Colombot. The newer section can still be told apart from the original one today: the cutwaters on the added arches are noticeably larger, and a visible step in the stonework marks where the two building phases meet. Further repairs followed in 1788, based on plans attributed to Anatole Amoudru. Built up in stages rather than all at once, the bridge reflects how local communities historically expanded their infrastructure to match growing needs, without tearing down what already worked.

Why is the bridge protected, and what does that mean for visitors?

Because of its historical and architectural value, the Pont sur le Salon was listed as a monument historique in France in 1978. That designation means the structure is under heritage protection, and any restoration work must respect its original character. For anyone drawn to stone masonry and the history of rural engineering, this is one more reason to pause in Montot — the bridge is a working example of provincial construction that has held up for more than three centuries and still fulfills its original purpose.

Who is this stop for, and how should you plan a visit?

This is a stop for travelers moving through Haute-Saône and the wider Bourgogne-Franche-Comté area who enjoy discovering places off the main tourist routes. The bridge is best seen on foot or during a slow drive through the village — the sight of its seven stone arches reflected in the Salon's waters, framed by open countryside, gives a real sense of a region still shaped by the rhythm of its rivers and fields. It also pairs well with a visit to some of the smaller villages scattered along the valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Pont sur le Salon located? It's in the commune of Montot, in the Haute-Saône department, on the northern edge of the village, along the road to Delain.

How old is the bridge? Its oldest section dates from the 17th century; two more arches were added in 1765, bringing it to the seven spans it has today.

Is the bridge a protected monument? Yes — it was listed as a monument historique in France in 1978.

Are there other attractions near the bridge? The bridge itself is the main draw for visitors interested in history and architecture; the surrounding area offers the quiet, rural scenery typical of the Salon valley in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.