Constructed over three years and accomplished in 2004, it stretches over 8,000 ft in size.
The Millau Viaduct within the south of France (Picture: Getty) This text comprises affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra
A “gobsmacking” bridge in southern France that has motorists feeling like they’re driving by means of clouds is without doubt one of the tallest on the earth. The Viaduc de Millau is a multispan cable-stayed bridge spanning the gorge of the Tarn west of Millau, within the Aveyron division of the Occitanie Area.
Constructed over three years and accomplished in 2004, it stretches over 8,000 ft in size, carrying 4 lanes of the A75 Autoroute virtually 900 ft above the bottom of the gorge. The viaduct held the world’s highest structural peak for round 20 years, with the tallest of its pylons measuring 343 metres. It has since been dethroned by China’s Changtai Yangtze River Bridge, which opened in September 2025 and is round seven metres taller.
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The deck stretches over 8,000 ft in size (Picture: Getty)
The viaduct had the very best structural peak on the earth for round 20 years (Picture: Getty)
And although Millau will not be almost tall sufficient to succeed in the clouds up in our ambiance, mist and fog within the space typically make it look as if the construction rises up into the heavens.
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Because of this, the bridge has been dubbed the “bridge above the clouds” by some.
The design of the construction was led by French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and iconic British architect Norman Foster, greatest recognized for designing The Gherkin in London.
The whole value of the development on the bridge itself was roughly €394million (round £271.9m on the contemporaneous December 2004 alternate charge).
It has been dubbed the “bridge above the clouds” by some. (Picture: Getty)
The undertaking was financed by Eiffage, which negotiated a deal to gather tolls till 2080. Nevertheless a break clause is in place if revenues attain a sure degree earlier than that, which might see the Authorities taking management and receiving the funds.
The viadcut is hailed as a outstanding feat of engineering, and gained the Excellent Construction Award from the Worldwide Affiliation for Bridge and Structural Engineering in 2006.
One TripAdvisor reviewer stated the landmark “is not only a bridge, it is a factor of full surprise”, telling guests they’re going to be “completely gobsmacked by the sheer dimension of the factor”.
One other referred to as it an “completely excellent place!”, including: “The viaduct and the encircling panorama are so stunning that you simply really feel like you’re a part of a portray or drawing! It’s really a piece of engineering of the very best degree.”
A 3rd stated: “What an incredible viaduct. It’s spectacular and delightful. I’d suggest a tour as you get to locations that you simply do not need entry to in any other case, and it’s well worth the view on the finish.
“Completely different languages can be found and our information was capable of reply our questions. After the tour, drive over the viaduct you possibly can then drive round to journey below it. It’s superior.”
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