Pont du Diable Hérault
A UNESCO-listed medieval bridge over the stunning Hérault Gorges, offering swimming, kayaking, and a touch of legend.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Pont du Diable Hérault
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO-listed medieval bridge over the stunning Hérault Gorges, offering swimming, kayaking, and a touch of legend.
"Amazing landscape with an old Roman bridge and river, perfect for swimming and kayaking."
🚗 Ample Parking Available
There's a large car park, often with a shuttle bus to nearby villages. Parking fee is around 8 euros.
🛶 Canoe Hire Fun
Canoe rentals are available and highly recommended for exploring the gorges. Expect around 18 euros per hour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Medieval Bridge
Over the Hérault River
An ancient Romanesque bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering stunning views and a touch of history.
Hérault Gorges
Surrounding the bridge
Explore the dramatic gorges carved by the Hérault river, perfect for scenic walks and admiring nature's artistry.
Swimming and Kayaking
River Hérault
Enjoy refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters or paddle through the gorges on a rented canoe.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
There's a large car park, often with a shuttle bus to nearby villages. Parking fee is around 8 euros.
🛶 Canoe Hire Fun
Canoe rentals are available and highly recommended for exploring the gorges. Expect around 18 euros per hour.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed
The ground can be stony, so wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the area.
🍦 Snacks & Ice Cream
You can find ice creams and snacks available at the top of the bridge area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
There's a large car park, often with a shuttle bus to nearby villages. Parking fee is around 8 euros.
🛶 Canoe Hire Fun
Canoe rentals are available and highly recommended for exploring the gorges. Expect around 18 euros per hour.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed
The ground can be stony, so wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the area.
🍦 Snacks & Ice Cream
You can find ice creams and snacks available at the top of the bridge area.
🏊♀️ Great Swimming Spot
The clear, cool waters are perfect for a refreshing swim, with a small beach area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Pont du Diable's stunning medieval architecture and the refreshing, crystal-clear waters of the Hérault River, making it a perfect spot for swimming and kayaking. While parking and canoe rentals add to the cost, the natural beauty and historical significance are consistently praised, offering a memorable experience for families and nature lovers alike.
"It's a stones floor, so bring something comfortable to relax on.
They hire out canoes here, and that's fun. They young man who runs it is very helpful.
There are ice creams and snacks at the top.
There's a big car park."
Amanda H
"Lovely bridge and views over Herault's Gorges on the outskirts of Saint-Guilhem's village. Overlooking as well the "beach" which can be crowdy ...
As an entrance to the Hérault' Gorges, at a place called "gouffre noir" which mean black abyss, the old bridge, hanging on the steep banks, spans the river in its most tight point.
Considered one of the oldest French medieval bridges, it was listed as World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO under the Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostela in France.
It was built between 1028 and 1031, by the two relatives of Aniane and Gellone, who jealously controlled the two banks of the river. 50 m long, it includes two main semicircular arches and two secondary openings, the gowns, intended to facilitate the flow of waters during flood period."
Enjoy life
"Amazing landscape, with an old Romain bridge and river. You have a small beach and people usually jumps from the bridge into the river"
Janine Martins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pont du Diable is located in the Hérault department of southern France, near Aniane and Saint-Jean-de-Fos. It's accessible by car, with a large parking area available. If you're coming from Montpellier, it's a scenic drive.
While direct public transport might be limited, local buses may serve nearby villages like Aniane or Saint-Jean-de-Fos, requiring a short walk or taxi from there. It's best to check local transport schedules.
Yes, Pont du Diable is a popular day trip from Montpellier, approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive away.
The best way to reach the gorges is by driving to the Pont du Diable parking area, which provides direct access to the river and bridge.
In peak season, there might be shuttle services connecting the Pont du Diable to nearby attractions like Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the bridge and the riverbanks for swimming is generally free. However, there might be fees for parking and canoe rentals.
The site is typically open year-round during daylight hours. Specific facilities like canoe rentals will have their own operating times.
No, there is no entrance fee to explore the Hérault Gorges. You can wander freely around the area.
While not always advertised, local guides might offer tours, especially focusing on the history and legends of the bridge. Inquire locally for availability.
Parking typically costs around 8 euros per day, which helps maintain the site and facilities.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
Absolutely! The clear, cool waters of the Hérault river are perfect for swimming, and there's a small beach area.
Popular activities include swimming, sunbathing on the small beach, and renting canoes to explore the gorges.
Yes, the shallow areas of the river are generally safe for children to paddle in, and the beach provides a place to relax.
Legend has it that the devil helped build the bridge, as it was being destroyed by him each night during construction.
You can spend a few hours enjoying the swimming and views, or dedicate a full day if you plan on kayaking and relaxing by the river.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the medieval arches from the riverbanks, the surrounding gorges, and people enjoying the water. The bridge itself offers iconic shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the natural colors.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming might require permits.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the bridge and gorges. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities.
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A Glimpse into History and Legend
The bridge's name, 'Devil's Bridge,' is steeped in local legend. Tales suggest that the devil himself was involved in its construction, either aiding the builders or attempting to sabotage their work. One popular story claims that Satan, disguised as a black goat, would try to destroy the bridge at night, but his efforts were ultimately thwarted. These fascinating myths add an extra layer of mystique to the already impressive structure.
Embracing the Natural Beauty: Gorges and Water Activities
This idyllic setting makes the Pont du Diable a prime destination for water activities. Visitors can rent canoes and paddle through the serene waters, gaining a unique perspective of the gorge walls and the ancient bridge from below. The river also features a small, charming beach area, perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. For the adventurous, the clear, cool waters are ideal for swimming, offering a welcome respite from the southern French heat.
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