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The Roman aqueduct of the Gier

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Rhône

The Roman aqueduct of the Gier - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Rhône
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Built to bring water to the city of Lyon, the Roman aqueduct of the Gier was the longest of the four aqueducts present at the time. Built in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, it ran for 86 kilometres and is nowadays one of the best-preserved of these structures. Excavations have made it possible to retrace its route, from Saint-Chamond in the Pilat massif to the Fourvière hill in Lyon. The aqueduct shows real ingenuity for its time, in particular thanks to the penstock technique which allowed it to cross steep valleys. The Beaunant siphon bridge is a fine example of this: it crossed the valley with a length of 270 metres and a height of 17 metres.

Chaponost in Rhône, more specifically the locality of Le Plat de l'Air, is where the most significant remains of the aqueduct are to be found: a long and majestic string of 72 arches running for over 550 metres is still visible there today.

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The Roman aqueduct of the Gier

The Roman aqueduct of Gier is one of four aqueducts that supplied water Lugdunum. Capturing water Gier south of Saint-Chamond, he carried water over 86 km to Fourvière. Many remains are still visible years later in 2000 in Chaponost.

On the Air Flat site there is the longest aqueduct currently visible section in France: a row of 72 arches stands majestically on the site. The row of arches terminates in a flush cistern whence lead pipes descending the hill to siphon bridge Beaunant (site Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon).

Website converted - no water - bench - garbage - toilets.

Guided tours are organized by the Tourist Office of the Valley of Garon, throughout the year for groups from 10 people (less than 10 persons please contact the Tourist Office) and for individuals on certain dates each April to October.

You will discover on this occasion, history, architecture and operation of this exceptional monument accompanied by a professional guide.

Information at +33 4 78 45 09 52 or by email accueil.chaponost@montsdulyonnaistourisme.fr

Arches of the Roman aqueduct of Gier (© OTIVG C. Cordat)
Arches of the Roman aqueduct of Gier (© OTIVG C. Cordat)
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Siphon of the Roman aqueduct of Gier (© OTIVG C. Cordat)
Siphon of the Roman aqueduct of Gier (© OTIVG C. Cordat)
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Roman aqueduct of Gier - Flat of Air (© OTIVG C. Cordat)
Roman aqueduct of Gier - Flat of Air (© OTIVG C. Cordat)
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Arches of the Roman aqueduct of Gier (© OTIVG C. Cordat)
Arches of the Roman aqueduct of Gier (© OTIVG C. Cordat)
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Arches of the Roman aqueduct of Gier (© OTIVG C. Cordat)
Arches of the Roman aqueduct of Gier (© OTIVG C. Cordat)
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