2023-08-23 22:28:51
Home Culture Arts-Expos Architecture
Posted on 08/23/2023 21:55 Updated on 08/23/2023 22:28
Video length: 3 mins.
France 3 Article written by France 3 – C. Dewaegeneire, A. Forveille, A. Bouville, F. Decominck, E. Fromentin
France Televisions
If the Eiffel Tower is world famous, another work of Gustave Eiffel was an architectural feat for the time. This is the Garabit viaduct, built in 1884.
In the heart of Cantal, the Garabit viaduct is 560 meters long and 120 meters high, for 3,000 tonnes of suspended metal. The structure dates from 1884. It was built by Gustave Eiffel, and is the big brother of the Eiffel Tower. “When Garabit was completed in 1884 it was the tallest viaduct in the world“, explains Patricia Rochès, historian. The viaduct takes up an extraordinary challenge for the 19th century: to span the gorges thanks to a monumental arch.
A bridge used for 135 years
The structure begins on each bank and meets in its center, which constitutes an architectural feat. In service for 135 years, the bridge has long been the main link between Cantal and the rest of the country. Now classified as a historical monument, the Garabit viaduct attracts tourists. Two women come from Paris especially for the centenary of the death of Gustave Eiffel. They cross the Garabit and are delighted with the show, which is too short, since it lasts only one minute. The crossing is also possible on the water.
View comments
#Garabit #viaduct #big #brother #Eiffel #Tower