A “gobsmacking” bridge in southern France that has motorists feeling like they’re driving through clouds is one of the tallest in the world. The Viaduc de Millau is a multispan cable-stayed bridge spanning the gorge of the Tarn west of Millau, in the Aveyron department of the Occitanie Region.
And though Millau is not nearly tall enough to reach the clouds up in our atmosphere, mist and fog in the area sometimes make it look as though the structure rises up into the heavens.
As a result, the bridge has been dubbed the “bridge above the clouds” by some.
The design of the structure was led by French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and iconic British architect Norman Foster, best known for designing The Gherkin in London.
The total cost of the construction on the bridge itself was approximately €394million (around £271.9m at the contemporaneous December 2004 exchange rate).
The project was financed by Eiffage, which negotiated a deal to collect tolls until 2080. However a break clause is in place if revenues reach a certain level before that, which would see the Government taking control and receiving the funds.
The viadcut is hailed as a remarkable feat of engineering, and won the Outstanding Structure Award from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering in 2006.
One TripAdvisor reviewer said the landmark “isn’t just a bridge, it’s a thing of complete wonder”, telling visitors they’ll be “absolutely gobsmacked by the sheer size of the thing”.
Another called it an “absolutely superb place!”, adding: “The viaduct and the surrounding landscape are so beautiful that you feel like you are part of a painting or drawing! It is truly a work of engineering of the highest level.”
A third said: “What an amazing viaduct. It is impressive and beautiful. I would recommend a tour as you get to places that you do not have access to otherwise, and it is worth the view at the end.
“Different languages are available and our guide was able to answer our questions. After the tour, drive over the viaduct you can then drive around to travel under it. It is awesome.”
