The Old Bridge of Rocheservière

Very beautiful bridge, the age of which is uncertain. It is currently under construction until 06/16/2024.

We can think that this bridge dates back at least to the 10th century. It was for a long time the only way through Boulogne for miles around. It is made up of 4 Roman style arches with a semicircular vault and cut stones placed in a cradle, a style prior to the 12th century. The 5th arch on the mill side is in the Gothic style with its pointed arch, pointed arch, restored in this form after the revolution. The small bridge is listed as a historical monument.
But the most notable historical anecdote concerning him takes place on June 19 and 20, 1815, the day after the Battle of Waterloo:
Indeed, Napoleon's return to power, known as the 100 days (March 20 – June 23, 1815) caused the exile of King Louis XVIII and triggered an uprising in western France. Napoleon sent a considerable military force of more than 20,000 men there. The fighting that took place at Rocheservière marks the end of this final Vendée insurrection. On June 20, after a fierce battle, on this old bridge and in the surrounding streets, the imperial armies routed the Vendée insurgents, whose survivors returned to their cottages for good.
But in his memoirs written in Saint Helena, Napoleon affirms that if he had had, at the time of the battle of Waterloo on June 18, only 10,000 more men, that is to say half of his troops occupied on the territory of west of France, his destiny would have been changed.
This small bridge may be less famous than that of Arcole, but when you cross it, tell yourself that the course of history may have been played out here and neither more nor less than the fate of the world!

Nice bridge, kayak base underneath.