Fades Viaduct

The viaduct of Fades (1901-1909) is an exceptional piece of work, over 100m high. The two brick built piers of the bridge are the highest ever built in traditional masonary. The viaduct over looks the Valley of the Sioule.
A masterpiece of the good times civil engineering, this giant structure, which spans the Sioule valley at a height of 133 m, was the highest bridge in the world when it was inaugurated in 1909. It still ranks second on the list of Europe's highest railway bridges, behind the Mala-Rijeka viaduct in Montenegro.
Its two twin piers built in traditional masonry culminate at more than 92 m above their foundations; as a result, they still hold the world height record for this type of pier. The surface area of their base is comparable to that of a tennis court! While other viaducts play on the elegance of the curves, the Fades viaduct sees the rigour of the straight beam triumph. A veritable steel cathedral (375 m long, 12 m high and 8 m wide!), its deck is one of the most beautiful specimens of its kind.

Since the Lapeyrouse-Volvic line, on which it used to run, ceased operating in December 2007, the protection of this monumental work of art - listed as a Historic Monument and labelled "20th century heritage" - remains the major concern of the Sioule et Patrimoine association.