Colbert Bridge

The Colbert Bridge, in Dieppe

The Colbert Bridge is a remarkable metal swing bridge of Dieppe, a rare witness of the engineering of the nineteenth century still in operation. The Dieppe audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this heritage engineering work, which pivots to let the boats of the port pass.

The swing bridge of the nineteenth century

Behind its metal framework, a little eaten away by time and by the salt that floats in the marine atmosphere, the Colbert Bridge hides a true treasure of the industrial heritage. This swing bridge, put into service at the end of the nineteenth century, is one of the oldest movable bridges of this type still in operation in Europe. Contrary to the lifting bridge, whose deck rises, this bridge pivots on itself, horizontally, around a central axis, to open the passage to the ships that circulate between the basins of the port. Its mechanism, originally actuated by the hydraulic force, is a remarkable testimony of the genius of the engineers of the industrial era, in the image of the great metal achievements of the nineteenth century. Its characteristic silhouette, made of girders, rivets and openwork structures, is part of the landscape of the port of Dieppe and is dear to the heart of the inhabitants, who mobilise for its preservation. Listed and protected, the Colbert Bridge is a living monument of the port history. An engineering work and an industrial jewel, the Colbert Bridge is a fine stop of the discovery of Dieppe.

What to see

You admire the metal swing bridge put into service at the end of the nineteenth century, one of the oldest movable bridges of this type still in operation in Europe, which pivots horizontally around a central axis to let the ships pass between the basins, a remarkable testimony of the genius of the engineers of the industrial era, with a silhouette of girders and rivets dear to the Dieppe people. The Colbert Bridge is an industrial jewel of Dieppe. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Colbert Bridge crosses the port of Dieppe, reachable on foot. It is a public and heritage structure; it pivots at the passage of the boats, temporarily interrupting the traffic. You discover it during a walk around the basins of the port.

What is the Colbert Bridge in Dieppe?

A metal swing bridge put into service at the end of the nineteenth century, one of the oldest movable bridges of this type still in operation in Europe; it pivots horizontally around a central axis to let the ships pass between the basins, a remarkable testimony of the genius of the engineers of the industrial era, listed and protected.

Where is the Colbert Bridge in Dieppe?

Above the port of Dieppe, in France.