The Viaduc du Viaur is a striking architectural landmark; the hikes offer a range of other themes. The railway bridge was completed in 1902 and spans the valley through which the Viaur River flows. It was classified as a historic monument on December 28, 2021. The two dates mark different points in time: 1902 is the year of completion, while 2021 is the year it was classified as a monument.
Viaduc du Viaur: Dimensions, Views and History
The Viaduc du Viaur is 116 meters high and 460 meters long; the central arch has a span of 220 meters. The 460 meters refers to the length of the entire structure, while 220 meters is the span of the central arch. Together with its height, these are three distinct measurements that describe the structure and its arch separately. The span describes the distance bridged by the arch between its ends.
There are three viewpoints at the Viaduc du Viaur: Aire du Gô, Aire Paul Bodin and Aire du Yunnan. There are no public toilets at these viewpoints—a practical detail to bear in mind when planning a visit. The “Oreilles en balade” trail at the viaduct uses a smartphone to share the structure’s history through the stories experienced by local residents. Alongside the structure’s dimensions, residents’ experiences thus offer another way to learn about the viaduct’s history.
Hikes with Different Themes
The “Sentier du Viaduc” trail passes beneath the piers and starts at Halte P. Bodin. “La piste oubliée,” on the other hand, focuses on the former use of the paths: hunters from Tauriac and St-Just used them. The two routes therefore differ in their specific focus—one follows a route beneath the viaduct, while the other traces the historic use of the paths.
The “La Chapelle des Planques” hike leads to Roc de l'Aigle, from where there are views across the valley. The Chapelle-des-Planques site can be reached via a steep path that passes an old, abandoned village. If you are mainly looking for a view over the valley, Roc de l'Aigle is the destination mentioned. The steep path is an important consideration when choosing a route to the Chapelle-des-Planques site.
Two other routes can be distinguished by their destinations: the “Chemin de la voie royale” leads to La Sicardie, while the “Impasse du barrage” leads to Las Planques. Alongside the route beneath the viaduct piers and the historically used paths, these offer two more specific destinations to choose from. You can choose a hiking theme to suit your interests: the structure, the paths’ past use, views over the valley or a particular destination.
Discover more destinations: Mostuéjouls, Villefranche-De-Panat, Sainte-Juliette-Sur-Viaur, Lagarrigue, Sanvensa, Compolibat, Pont-De-Salars, La Cavalerie.
For the regional travel overview: Aveyron.
