02/08/2026
One of the highlights of our stop near Saint-Flour was the magnificent Garabit Viaduct. 🇫🇷
Designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1884 - five years before the Eiffel Tower - it was the tallest railway arch bridge in the world when it opened. More than 140 years later, it still looks remarkably elegant.
Standing 122 metres above the Truyère River, its distinctive red iron arch stretches 565 metres across the valley. Seeing it in person, it’s easy to understand why it’s considered one of Eiffel’s greatest engineering achievements.
It’s also a reminder that some of Europe’s most fascinating landmarks aren’t necessarily the most famous. Sometimes they’re found just a short detour from the motorway.
Definitely worth the stop. 📸
