The world's tallest bridge, the Millau Viaduct stretches across the Tarn River valley in southern France.
It wind through mountain passes, across deserts then over stretches of the ocean. Some were built on top of centuries-old footpaths carved into hillsides, while others connect cities and countries across spans that previously had been impassable.
.Millau Viaduct Fast Facts
- Opened December 2004,
- Highest bridge in the world,
- More than 340 meters at its highest mast,
- Slightly taller than the Eiffel Tower, but...
- Closed to pedestrians.
Millau Viaduct Location
The Millau Viaduct is part of the freeway from Paris to Montpellier, and is located in southern France.
One of the best places from which to view the bridge is the Service Area on the northern side of the bridge off the freeway. The climb to the viewing platform is a little strenuous but very worthwhile - and don't forget to bring your camera!
Also it can be quite windy at the viewing area so you do need to bring warm clothing. From the visitor center at the base of the bridge, you'll have a completely different perspective on the Millau Viaduct and is where you can truly appreciate the full height of the towers.
Also it can be quite windy at the viewing area so you do need to bring warm clothing. From the visitor center at the base of the bridge, you'll have a completely different perspective on the Millau Viaduct and is where you can truly appreciate the full height of the towers.
They charge a toll to cross the bridge. You cannot walk across the bridge as it part of the motorway system.
Source: CarsRoute, weather.com, wikipedia.org
Noteable Events and Culture
A run took place in 2004 and another on 13 May 2007:
December 2004 – 19,000 walkers and runners of the Three Bridge Walk had the privilege of crossing the bridge deck for the first time, but the walk was not authorised to go further than pylon P1; the bridge was still closed to traffic.
13 May 2007 – Ten thousand runners took the race which starting from the southern end of the viaduct. After on the northern side, they crossed the viaduct then retraced their steps. Total distance: 23.7 km (14.7 mi).
In 2004, a fire started on the slope of causse rouges because of a spark originating from a welder. Some trees were destroyed in the fire.
The Chinese transport minister at the time visited the bridge on the first anniversary of its opening. Although impressed by the technical prowess and the financial assembly of the viaduct, he did not envisage building a counterpart in People's Republic of China.
Featured in a scene of the film Mr. Bean's Holiday. Hosts of the British motoring show, Top Gear, featured the bridge during Series 7, when they took a Ford GT, Pagani Zonda, and Ferrari F430 Spyder on a road trip across France. Richard Hammond, one of the hosts, explored the engineering aspects in the construction of the Millau Viaduct in Series 2 of Richard Hammond's Engineering Connections.
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