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Millau bridge
Millau Bridge (officially Millau Viaduct) is a road-bridge spanning the valley of the River Tarn near Millau in southern France. It was designed by the renowned 'modern architect' Norman Foster, working with French engineer Michel Virlogeux.
Among other remarkable features it is the tallest vehicle bridge in the world. The highest pier has a height falling between that of the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building. The viaduct is nearly twice as tall as the previous tallest vehicular bridge in Europe, the Europabrücke in Austria.
The Millau bridge was opened to traffic on 16 December 2004 to immediate fame and acclaim.
Millau Viaduct is located in Millau, Languedoc. The bridge was built to relieve heavy congestion on the roads during the summer holiday season - it is the last section of the A75 motorway thet leads to the Mediterranean coastal resorts.
The Millau bridge falls inside the Grands Causses regional natural park.
In addition to being a major improvement to the road system in the region, the bridge has also received critical acclaim and become an immediate tourist attraction in its own right.
A stunning spectacle, the bridge is well worth visiting in its own right. There are a few viewing points - above and below the bridge - but you are not permitted to stop on the bridge itself (it's an autoroute).
Millau Bridge: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Plan a visit to Millau bridge, France
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Map of Millau bridge, France |
Places to visit - Millau bridge
- Gorges du Tarn Dramatic river gorge
- La Couvertoirade Most beautiful village
- Tournemire Most beautiful village
Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)
Information and photos
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