Luxurious Views of the Highest European Bridge, the Millau Viaduct
This majestic construction boasts a slim design resembling a luxury sailboat. The Millau viaduct stands on 7 pillars, its height at the highest point exceeds the height of the famous Eiffel tower and, for comparison, it is only about 38 meters lower than the Empire State Building. The bridge, which is 270 metres high, which leads across the valley and the river Tarn, is the highest in Europe and the second highest in the world.
The unique work was created during 3 years
It began to be built in October 2001 and with pomp, in the presence of the then French President, Jacques Chirac, it was opened three years later. More specifically on 17. December 2004. Jacques Chirac stated about this work, the luxury viaduct:
"It is a memorial to French courage and entrepreneurship."
It was designed by the famous English architect, Sir Norman Foster, and the building constructor was Michel Virlogeux. It was designed so as to look as subtle as possible, transparent really. The construction used a minimum quantity of material, especially steel. The major part of the building was done by the French company Eiffage, the construction was participated upon by companies from many European countries, including Italy, Spain and Sweden. The entire construction coast EUR 400 million.
The magnificent structure like in the palm of your hand from a nearby viewpoint
The fact that the luxury bridge of 2,460 metres in length perfectly fits into the grandiose surrounding countryside, is obvious from a nearby viewpoint. Just turn off from the motorway toward "aire du Viaduct". This observation area stands on an old farm and is an ideal place for panoramic views of the bridge and the surrounding area of Aveyron. There is also a tourist information centre offering the opportunity to find out details about the construction and the region and also you can taste here the luxury local cuisine.
