Described as a technological achievement, this world-famous bridge offers one of the best views of the rural north Franceincluding one of the most beautiful nature reserves.
The bridge holds the record for the fastest bridge built in just six years. It opened in the mid-1990s and is now an integral part of the landscape.
When it opened, the Pont du Normandy was both the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world and the record distance between piers for this type of bridge, 250 meters longer than the previous record. It remains the longest span in France.
The bridge goes over the Seine estuary and with it the Estuary Nature Reserve, the second largest in France with more than 8,500 hectares.
Established in 1992 and opened in 1997, the reserve is home to more than 500 plant species, 300 bird species, 70 fish and 50 mammals, including seals.
It is a fantastic place for breeding and migratory birds, thanks to the richness and diversity of the environment, including marshes, reed beds, dunes and forests. In fact, the region of Normandy has 15 nature reserves as of 2019.
The bridge has been described as a technological feat, with four motorized lanes, two pedestrian and two cycle lanes. The two masts weigh more than 20,000 tons and are 215 meters high.
In the 1980s the only bridge was in Tancarville, fifteen kilometers away Le Haven. The exponential growth of highway traffic made the construction of a new bridge a necessity.
The bridge is also designed to resist strong wind of more than 300 km/h. After opening, the longest cables exhibited excessive vibration, prompting multiple damping systems to be quickly installed.
Because it was so tall, the curvature of the earth required that the distance between the masts at the top had to be two centimeters greater than at the base.
From the center you can see about ten kilometers, including the port of Le Harve, HonfluerTancarville Bridge to the east and watch the ships sailing on the Seine.
There are parking spaces on either side of the bridge, allowing people to fully appreciate its sleek and elegant design. On Tripadvisor, it is a highly recommended spot for those traveling through the area.
One reviewer said the “views from here are amazing – well worth a visit if you're in the area, even go out of your way if you have to, it's worth just to say you've been there are.”
While another said: “It's only a few minutes drive but the feeling is amazing, the bridge construction is amazing.”