Roquefavour - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Roquefavour is an aqueduct located in the south of France, near the city of Aix-en-Provence. It was built in the 19th century to supply water to the city from the Durance River.
- 2. The aqueduct was designed by the engineer Franz Mayor de Montricher and constructed between 1841 and 1847. It is considered a masterpiece of civil engineering from the period.
- 3. Roquefavour is a stone masonry aqueduct that spans the Arc Valley, a tributary of the Durance River. It measures 393 meters in length, with a height of 82 meters.
- 4. The aqueduct is supported by three tiers of arches, with the lower tier consisting of 9 arches, the middle tier of 11 arches, and the upper tier of 18 arches. The arches are built of limestone blocks and rise to a height of 19 meters.
- 5. Roquefavour is one of the largest stone aqueducts in France and is considered a major architectural and historical landmark in the region.
- 6. The aqueduct was named after the Duke of Roquefavour, who was a supporter of the project and helped secure funding for its construction.
- 7. Roquefavour was originally built to supply water to the city of Marseille, but today it primarily serves as a tourist attraction and a symbol of the region's engineering heritage.
- 8. The aqueduct is still in use today, carrying water from the Durance River to various municipalities in the Aix-en-Provence area.
- 9. Roquefavour is a popular destination for hikers and visitors who come to admire its impressive architecture and scenic location in the Provencal countryside.
- 10. The aqueduct has been designated as a French national monument and is protected by the government as a historic site of cultural significance.