Pont de la Bâtiaz in Martigny, Switzerland

In the small city of Martigny is a wonderfully pleasant bridge named ‘le Pont de la Bâtiaz’. Its outward beauty aside, it is the last wooden bridge in the entire French speaking canton of Valais that can still withstand vehicular usage.

Spanning the Drance river, several different iterations of the bridge have existed at the location. The original version was built in the 14th century, but was washed away during severe flooding in 1635. The bridge was rebuilt, but this newer version was destroyed by the break-up of the Giétroz glacier in 1818.

The Pont de la Bâtiaz was eventually rebuilt in 1829, utilizing larch wood arches, meaning it is also Valais’s last remaining arched bridge. Further strengthening was undertaken in 1920, adding an impressive fortifying network of timber trestles to the structure that are still present today.

The bridge was built to afford easier access to the Chateau de la Bâtiaz, perched on the mountainside overlooking the Drance and Martigny. Being one of the city’s most popular attractions, many visitors will trek up to the castle by traversing the bridge en route, somewhat unwittingly following a route that has been undertaken by many since the 1300s.