Pont Vieux is a medieval brick bridge across the Tarn in central Montauban, connecting the historic centre with the Villebourbon district. Its arches, long history and views toward both sides of the river make it a useful landmark to include in a walk through town.
- Location: across the Tarn between the historic centre and Villebourbon.
- Length: 205 metres.
- Structure: 14 arches, seven over the river and seven on land.
- From Unisotel Montauban rénové EX F1: about 41 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by car.
Where does Pont Vieux sit in Montauban?
Pont Vieux stands at the meeting point of Montauban’s historic centre and Villebourbon, carrying the route across the Tarn. Its address is Pont Vieux, 82000 Montauban; the Ministry of Culture’s heritage record locates it at Place Bourdelle.
From the bridge, you can look toward the Musée Ingres Bourdelle and town centre on one side, then toward Villebourbon on the other. It is about 3.0 km from this hotel in Montauban, with the trip taking about 41 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by car.
What is the history of Pont Vieux?
The idea of a bridge appeared in Montauban’s 1144 foundation charter, but construction came later, in the 14th century. The French Ministry of Culture’s heritage inventory gives construction dates of 1311 and 1335. Montauban Tourism says the 205-metre bridge was completed in 1335.
The bridge is built entirely of brick. Its 14 arches comprise seven over the Tarn and seven on land, and it rises 23 metres above the river. The Ministry of Culture describes seven pointed arches and seven piers fitted with cutwaters.
Its earlier features included towers and a central chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine, patron saint of boatmen; both were later removed. During the 1621 siege, royal troops under Louis XIII tried unsuccessfully to break the central arch. Cannon fire damaged the tower on the Villebourbon side. Pont Vieux has been a historic monument since 15 December 1911.
How do you get to Pont Vieux from Montauban’s centre?
Montauban station is another useful starting point for planning a trip into town; this guide to getting from Montauban station to the city and hotel area covers that journey.
Pont Vieux is already in central Montauban, linking the historic centre to Villebourbon across the Tarn. It also fits naturally into a one-day walking itinerary for Montauban: use the bridge as a crossing point between the two districts, then take in the views before continuing your walk.
For a broader route through the centre, you can combine the bridge with the town’s other landmarks. The Musée Ingres Montauban guide covers visit planning for the museum named in the river views.
What can you see from Pont Vieux?
Views from Pont Vieux take in the Tarn, the Musée Ingres Bourdelle and the bell tower of Église Saint-Jacques. Montauban Tourism recommends looking at the bridge alongside these town landmarks, then noticing the contrast between the historic centre and the Villebourbon side.
From the bridge, the town centre and museum lie on one side, while Villebourbon’s Art Deco houses are on the other. For more detail on the bridge’s past, Montauban Tourism offers a downloadable CIAP brochure titled “Focus le Pont Vieux.”
FAQs
How long is Pont Vieux?
Pont Vieux is 205 metres long and rises 23 metres above the Tarn.
How many arches does Pont Vieux have?
It has 14 arches: seven over the river and seven on land.
When was Pont Vieux built?
Construction dates in the Ministry of Culture’s heritage inventory are 1311 and 1335; Montauban Tourism gives 1335 as the completion date.
Is Pont Vieux a historic monument?
Yes. It has been a historic monument since 15 December 1911.