📷 Deche, Public domainBriare canal bridge
Briare, France
A 662 m steel trough opened in 1896 that carries a canal over the Loire. You can walk along either towpath while barges glide across above the river.
The Briare canal bridge carries the Canal latéral à la Loire across the river. It was inaugurated on 16 September 1896 after construction from 1890 to 1896; the firm of Gustave Eiffel built the masonry piers and abutments. The steel trough is 662.7 m long, 6 m wide and 2.2 m deep. From 1896 until 2003 it was the longest navigable aqueduct in the world, before the Magdeburg Water Bridge (918 m) overtook it. Ornamental columns at both ends imitate the Pont Alexandre III in Paris.
Both towpaths can be walked or cycled, and the bridge lies on the “La Loire à Vélo” cycle route. Half an hour is enough for a stroll, and it is most atmospheric when a boat happens to be crossing.
- Nearest town
- Briare, France
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 47.6400, 2.7366
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Le MartinetCampsite1 km from Briare canal bridgeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Le Port de Châtillon-sur-LoireMotorhome stopover6 km from Briare canal bridge · 19 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Camping Touristique de GienCampsite10 km from Briare canal bridge · 200 pitchesCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Bonny-sur-LoireMotorhome stopover12 km from Briare canal bridgeMotorhomesDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedFree
- Camping Touristique du CanalMotorhome stopover13 km from Briare canal bridge · 28 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping Municipal de BléneauCampsite17 km from Briare canal bridgeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Briare canal bridge?
Briare canal bridge is in Briare, France, at GPS 47.6400, 2.7366. It is about 10 km from Gien.
Can you camp near Briare canal bridge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Le Martinet, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 39 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Briare canal bridge?
Briare canal bridge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Upper Loire: canal bridges and Sancerre wine.
What is there to see near Briare canal bridge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Guédelon castle (32 km), Fleury Abbey (37 km), Bourges Cathedral (67 km) and Vézelay Basilica (78 km).
When is the best time to visit Briare canal bridge?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)