Pont Julien crossing the Calavon riverbed below Bonnieux — The deck of Pont Julien links the two banks of the Calavon on the former route of the Via Domitia © VF

Getaway in the Luberon

Pont Julien, a Roman bridge on the Via Domitia

Below Bonnieux, Pont Julien crosses the bed of the Calavon on the former route of the Via Domitia.

Pont Julien in the Calavon valley

In the broad valley below Bonnieux, Pont Julien spans the bed of the Calavon where the Luberon meets the Monts de Vaucluse. Listed as a historic monument since 1914, it crosses a watercourse that is often dry but can rise quickly after heavy rain.

A legacy of the Via Domitia

Built on the route of the ancient Via Domitia, the great trading road linking Italy and Spain, Pont Julien reflects the strategic and economic importance of this route in Roman times. Completed in 3 BC, it takes its name from the nearby Roman city of Apta Julia, now Apt, about ten kilometres upstream in the Calavon valley.

Arches and limestone blocks of Pont Julien near Bonnieux — The arches of Pont Julien show the precise fitting of the limestone blocks © VF

Three arches over the bed of the Calavon

Measuring 80 metres in length, the bridge is built of large, carefully cut and fitted blocks of local limestone. Its three semicircular arches rest on the abutments at either bank and on two piers anchored in the rocky bed of the Calavon. Large openings through the piers help floodwater to flow. At their base, partially visible semicircular cutwaters divide the current and reduce its force against the masonry.

Pont Julien seen from the rocky bed of the Calavon — From the rocky bed of the Calavon, the three arches reveal the full length of the Roman bridge © VF

From the Via Domitia to the Calavon cycle route

A modern bridge now carries road traffic. After more than 2,000 years of service, Pont Julien welcomes walkers and cyclists. It forms part of the Calavon cycle route, partly laid out along the former railway line between Cavaillon and Apt.

Today, Pont Julien makes a short stop on foot or by bicycle in the Calavon valley. From the bridge, the road climbs towards Bonnieux and the Cedar Forest on the heights of the Petit Luberon. To the east, Apt extends the outing with its historic centre and Saturday morning market.

Pont Julien on the Luberon cycle route — Free from road traffic, Pont Julien now welcomes walkers and cyclists © VF

Our selection

Bed and breakfasts around Bonnieux and Apt for extending the getaway

Bonnieux and Apt offer two complementary bases for reaching Pont Julien, exploring the Calavon valley and visiting the villages of the Luberon. The portal favours direct links to owners’ websites.

Bed and breakfasts around Bonnieux and Apt

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