Gustave Flaubert Bridge in Rouen - Free Entry Guide

The Gustave Flaubert Bridge is a spectacular vertical-lift bridge spanning the Seine River in Rouen, opened in 2008 and named after the famous French novelist born in this city. Standing 86 meters tall with its distinctive 'butterfly' steel structures atop the towers, it held the title of world's tallest lift bridge until 2013. The bridge features two independent mobile decks weighing 1,300 tonnes each that can rise 55 meters above the water in about 12 minutes, allowing massive cruise ships and tall sailing vessels to pass through to Rouen's port. Designed by Michel Virlogeux, the engineer behind the renowned Millau Viaduct, the bridge combines engineering excellence with elegant aesthetics. Visitors can walk or cycle across for free using the dedicated pedestrian and bicycle paths, enjoying panoramic views of the Seine and Rouen's industrial port. The bridge lifts approximately 30 times per year, mainly during major maritime events like the famous Armada de Rouen sailing festival - witnessing a lift is a unique spectacle that draws crowds of spectators.

Interesting Facts

When it opened in 2008, the Gustave Flaubert Bridge held the record as the tallest lift bridge in the world at 86 meters, a title it held until 2013 when it was surpassed by the Pont Chaban-Delmas in Bordeaux by just one meter. Despite losing the world record, it remains one of Europe's most impressive vertical-lift bridges and a marvel of modern engineering.

The bridge was designed by Michel Virlogeux, the legendary French engineer who also created the iconic Millau Viaduct - the world's tallest bridge. Co-architect Aymeric Zublena contributed to the design of the Stade de France, the 1998 FIFA World Cup venue. This remarkable team brought together France's finest engineering minds to create a structure that is both functional and visually striking.

Each of the bridge's two mobile decks weighs an impressive 1,300 tonnes - roughly equivalent to 10 fully loaded semi-trucks - yet they can rise 55 meters above the Seine in just 12 minutes using a system of 32 synchronized motors. The distinctive 'butterfly' steel structures atop the 86-meter towers, each weighing 450 tonnes, have become an iconic symbol of modern Rouen.

The bridge is named after Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880), the renowned author of 'Madame Bovary' who was born in Rouen and spent most of his life writing at his family home in nearby Croisset, overlooking the very Seine River that the bridge now spans. Rouen City Council chose to honor their most famous literary son when inaugurating this prestigious engineering achievement.