FR-32. The author has currently catalogued 1270 natural arches to date in his home country of France. Starting with the famous Pont d'Arc found on this gallery the finest example of the most beautiful natural arch and bridge in France. The wonderful natural bridge spanning the Ardèche River is located on the side of the road D290, 2.5 kms from the west exit of the village of Vallon Pont d'Arc. From the village follow the road sign toward Gorges de l'Ardèche to a parking lot. This natural bridge is well-know in Europe as an ideal and wondeful place to start a canoeing trip on the Ardèche River. In the summer time, it is usual to seen numerous canoes under the bridge. The natural bridge is located on the IGN topographic map 2939 "Gorges de l'Ardeche" (pleat B4) NABSQNO 31T612843-4915298. More opening on Pont d'Arc.



                       

                       

                       









Flood on Ardèche River is a cyclical phenomenon called on the region épisodes cévenols. The most severe of all since man developed photography was on september 22 1890. During this historic flood, Ardèche River rises about 17 meters above the normal flow. The river flow growing at that time to 7500 cubic meters per second. A commemorative plaque was fixed on the cliff on the entrance of Gorges de l'Ardèche which marked the historical flood two meters above the touristic road. At Pont d'Arc, where overflow formed a bowl, the water reached 21 meters and the river retook his old bed into his abandoned meander. In this way, Pont d'Arc has become a kind of ephemeral rocky peninsula.


Photo: public domain