Visiting the Hérault? Don’t miss a visit to the Pont du Diable, a must-see in Occitanie!
A visit to the Pont du Diable is a must in the south of France. The monument spans the Hérault river, the communes of Aniane and Saint-Jean-de-Fos, in the Hérault region. A thousand years old (9th century), it attracts thousands of bathers in summer. It’s also a must-see on any trip to the Hérault gorges.
Would you like to see this famous medieval bridge for yourself? In this article, you’ll see that this monument reveals many surprises to its guests. Here’s our mini-guide to the Pont du Diable: the history, our visit tips and practical information – all you need to know before you go!
History of the Pont du Diable
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Plamen Nikolov
The Pont du Diable is a historic work of art that crosses the river at the end of the Hérault gorges. It is thought to have been built in 873, following an agreement between the abbot of Aniane and the abbot of Gellone(abbey of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert). The bridge takes its name from a feudal legend. The legend tells of the Devil’s pleasure at night in destroying what men built during the day. To do this, Satan disguised himself in a black goat costume to mask his identity. Saint-Guilhem, the monk of Gellone, is said to have caught the Devil destroying the first stones of the bridge.
Rather than duel with Saint-Guilhem, Satan offered to build the strongest bridge in three days. In exchange, he was to take the life of the first man to walk on the bridge. Once the bridge was built, no man would sacrifice his life. Legend has it that Guilhem threw a bone across the bridge for his dog to run on. Angry at having been tricked, the Devil would have wanted to destroy the bridge. As the structure was as solid as possible, the operation was in vain. Satan then threw himself into the water, digging the black abyss. This is how the bridge came to be known as the Devil’s Bridge.
Our tips for discovering the Pont du Diable
The Pont du Diable has been a listed historic monument since 1935. In 1998, it was also listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
When should you visit Pont du Diable?
The Pont du Diable can be visited all year round. However, it’s a good idea to check the weather before you go. Summer is logically the best time to visit Pont du Diable. Between June and early September, the average maximum temperature fluctuates between 26°C and 29°C. Summer is therefore ideal for swimming. In spring and autumn, temperatures are between 20°C and 25°C. Winter is mild, even cool, with 11°C to 15°C between November and March. The low season is therefore ideal for hiking! Visiting Pont du Diable by car? Find out how to park!
Free shuttle bus timetable
In season, free shuttles run from the village of Aniane. Two routes are available:
- Maison du Grand Site, Clamouse, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (itinerary 1),
- Maison du Grande Site, Sain-Jean-de-Fos, Argileum (route 2).
Each route includes a stop at the Pont du Diable. The shuttles run every day in July and August, on weekends and public holidays, and during school vacations the rest of the year. The service operates at four different times:
- 11am – 7pm, every 30 minutes: spring vacations (zone C), weekends and public holidays in May, June and September,
- 10 am – 8:45 pm, every 15 minutes, and from 8:45 pm to 10:45 pm every 30 minutes: July and August,
- 11am – 5:15pm, every 30 minutes: All Saints’ Day vacations (zone C),
- 10 am – 7 pm, every 30 minutes: July and August (route 2).
The advantage of shuttles is that they prevent the Pont du Diable from being overloaded with cars. There is little or no parking space along the roads of the Hérault gorges.
Pont du Diable parking lots
Parking lots have been created in the commune of Aniane. Parking is free outside shuttle service hours and days. However, a charge is made when the free shuttles are in operation. The charge is €5 per vehicle in low season. From July 1 to September 1, the rate is €6 per vehicle (car, van, coach, camper).
What to see and do in Pont du Diable?
Wondering what you can do when you visit the Pont du Diable? Well, there’s a whole range of things to do around the bridge.
Swimming
Park at the Aniane parking lot and walk to the bridge. Down below, a pebble beach allows you to swim in the Hérault. The river seems to spring from the depths of the deep, incised gorges. In summer, it seems quiet and peaceful, but the Hérault can become a torrent during the Cévennes.
Canoeing or canyoning
In summer, between June and September, you can also hire a canoe or kayak to explore the Pont du Diable from the river. Several rental companies offer different routes, including a passage under the Pont du Diable. Canoeing down the river allows you to explore several things at once: the Hérault gorges, the « giant’s potholes » and the steep cliffs that seem to plunge straight into the water. Canoes are available daily, without reservation, on the Pont du Diable beach. On the Pont du Diable canoe site, however, it is possible to reserve a boat at a specific time by telephone, at a cost of €18 per hour.
For even more thrills, you can opt for a session of canyoning or rock-climbing. It’s a great way to discover the Pont du Diable through jumps, slides and narrow gorges! Whatever your level, you can opt for this adrenalin-fuelled activity for young and old alike.
What to do nearby
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Mikhail Yuryev
The Pont du Diable is also close to other must-see sites.
The Clamouse cave
Listed by the French Ministry of Ecology, Clamouse is a great way to discover the underground environment of the Hérault gorges. The visit is accessible by free shuttle bus from Aniane or Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a superb medieval village, ranked second on the list of France’s most beautiful villages, and is the starting point for numerous hikes. Local attractions include the Saint-Laurent church, the prison tower, the Place de la Liberté and the Musée d’Antan.
Clayum
Argileum, in the commune of Saint-Jean-de-Fos, is a space dedicated to pottery. It’s a 19th-century workshop, reconstructed to commemorate the village’s long history of pottery-making. If you want to discover the world of handmade pottery, this is the place to be!
Mourèze cirque and Salagou lake
What to do after visiting the Pont du Diable? Just 30 kilometers to the west, you’ll find an absolute must-see site in the Hérault: the cirque de Mourèze. Neighboring the Lac du Salagou, it’s an incredible natural site for hiking. The cirque boasts beautiful rock formations, as if sculpted by erosion. Separated from the cirque by Mount Liausson, Lac du Salagou is the reservoir for the dam of the same name, providing an ideal setting for bathing, relaxing and water sports.
How do I get to Pont du Diable?
There are several ways to visit the Pont du Diable.
- By car from Montpellier: take the A750 towards Millau, exit at Gignac then take the D32 to Aniane.
- From Millau: take the A75 to Saint-Félix-de-Lodez, then the A750 to Gignac, continuing on the D32 to Aniane.
- From Béziers: take the A75 to Saint-Félix-de-Lodez.
- By bus: route 668 (Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert) to Aniane.
Parking in Aniane is available (free off-season) for €5 to €6 a day.
Where to stay near Pont du Diable?
Would you like to visit Pont du Diable and sleep nearby? A wide range of accommodation is available in the communes bordering Pont du Diable. These include Saint-Jean-de-Fos, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Aniane and Puéchabon. Around these villages, you’ll find bed & breakfasts, five hotels and five campsites.