The Pont Flavien is a Roman construction on the ancient road between Marseille and Arles, bridging the La Touloubre stream south of Saint-Chamas. The bridge is particularly well preserved and stands quite freely in the landscape. Walking over it, you can feel transported back 2000 years.

Access by public transport

Bus line L6 in the Cartreize network goes from Salon de Provence to Saint-Chamas and arrives at the Guéby Sud stop, which is close to the site. Line 11 of the Ulysse bus network also takes you from Miramas to the Guéby Sud stop. Line 12 (also Ulysse) starts in Istres and takes us to Guéby Nord station, which is still within walking distance of the bridge.

All the information about the connections is available under lepilote.com (only french), you must select the network before entering the line number.

There is also a train to St. Chamas, see TER PACA (only french) for many connections between Marseille and Miramas. Bus 11 has its terminus at the train station, the next station is Guéby Sud.

Access by short walk

From both stops, continue on Avenue Henri Barbusse out of town and straight towards the bridge. Before that you have to cross the roundabout.

Access by car

Saint-Chamas is located north of the Étang de Berre. Coming from Marseille and Marignane, you pass right by the Pont Flavien before reaching Saint-Chamas. Don't try to stop right at the bridge, it's better to drive towards St. Chamas Centre.

From other directions, such as Istres or Miramas, drive through Saint-Chamas and take a sharp right at the roundabout exiting the town. You drive back a little bit in the direction of the center.

Parking site

There is a car park at the roundabout opposite the bridge. Access is from Avenue Henri Barbusse, see the map on this page.

Description

The name of the bridge comes from Claudius Donnius Flavius, who donated money at the time. This is known because the following inscription is engraved on both pillars in colloquial Latin: Claudius Donnius Flavus, son of Claudius, flamen of Rome and Augustus, commanded in his will to build this bridge with these arches, under the direction of C. Donnius Vena and C. Attius Rufus.