Sommières Roman bridge

One of the few inhabited bridges in Europe. An emblem of the city, it symbolizes its history.
The Roman bridge, emblem of the town, symbolizes the history of the city and its passionate relationship with the Vidourle river. Visitors often contemplate the bridge without realizing how special it is: in fact, it has been inhabited without interruption since medieval times. It has always been part of the social and commercial life of its inhabitants, and is one of the few inhabited bridges in Europe, alongside Florence's famous Ponte Vecchio.

21 arches, 7 of them visible
Built by the Romans in the 1st century AD, the bridge was first guarded by a Gallic oppidum. At least 21 arches, seven of which are visible on the Vidourle, make up the 200-meter-long bridge. The others were completely absorbed by the urban fabric and housing from the 13th century onwards. Today, it is difficult to recognize the ancient construction, at least in the section overlooking the river. However, the arch visible on Rue de la Grave has been preserved in its original state. The others were used as cellars, stables, workshops or garages.