Millau Bridge, France
Yesterday I was complaining about the destructive impact of man on the environment, so today I thought I’d make amends by celebrating it. Or at least forgiving it for a particular occasion.
The Millau Bridge was built in the south of France as the last link in the ‘route to the sun’ motorway that carries thousands of holidaymakers to the Mediterranean from Paris and the north each year. This section of the route, pre-bridge, was slow and difficult and could add many hours to the journey.
The solution was the Millau Viaduct, designed by renowned architect Norman Foster, and opened to critical acclaim two years ago. I’ve always been a big fan of Norman Foster buildings, so on this occasion I’ll overlook the millions of tons of damaging concrete that was presumably used in the construction of the worlds highest road-bridge.
More than just a bridge, it has become a major attraction in its own right. When it first opened, the Millau Bridge had no provision for ‘spectators’ – so motorists were stopping on the bridge to take photos, and causing delays and traffic jams – which pretty much defeated the object of the bridge!
There are now viewing and parking places, both at bridge level and in the valley below, and a mimimum speed limit of 60kmh on the bridge itself. As Norman Foster eloquently says, ‘it expresses a fascination with the relationships between function, technology and aesthetics in a graceful structural form.’
The incredible thing is that people, lots of them, travel for hours just to see the bridge – and come back pleased that they did. I find it amazing that it is possible to build an enormous bridge across a beautiful river valley, in a Regional Natural Park, and actually create a successful attraction from it.
So if you are hanging out in the south of France this summer, don’t just get excited about your destination. Now you can also look forward to the journey as well. You’re going to see a true miracle of the modern world.
(Most pictures show the bridge sat above a valley of swirling mist – very romantic – but see also the photos on the Norman Foster site, especially number 5.)
What I loved was when Norman Foster was asked why the bridge was curved. Was it better aerodynamically? Was it required because of other technical reasons?
No he replied that it just looked better curved!
That bridge is amazing. It’s certainly the most beautiful bridge I’ve seen in a long time (there’s a nice one in Spain but I can’t remember its name). I haven’t seen the bridge in real life mind you, although I’d love to (and will if I ever do a road trip to France).
It is a shame to build it across such a scenic valley, makes the trip more pleasant I guess. I wonder if anyone’s calculated the reduction of greenhouse gasses by reducing trip times?? I’ll bet this bridge is actually more environmentally friendly than the old road!
PS: Has anyone fallen off yet?
We have the urge to drive and see this bridge.
Any ideas where we can stay?
Also wanna go to another plave for a day before driving back to england.
Any ideas?
I thank that staying at a ‘hotel in Montpellier‘ would work well.
As for a second place to visit, that depends whetehre it needs to be along the route…and if so what is the route? Somewhere in the Loire Valley would be a popular possibility.