Pont des Trous

The bridge called 'Pont des Trous' is one of the most typical monuments of medieval architecture preserved in the Western world. It was part of the XIIIth century city walls.

This gate is made up of two towers : 'Tour du Bourdiel' on the left bank, and 'Tour de la Thieulerie' on the right bank. To defend the city against attacks via the river, enormous gates could be lowered to block the passage through the arches.

The curtain wall has bays and arrow-slits. The 'Pont des Trous' was the scene of fierce battles through the ages and specially during the siege of 1340, at the beginning of the 100 Years War.

The bridge was restored after World War II. To meet the needs of modern navigation, it was raised by 2,40 metres and the middle arch was broadened (1947).