World's tallest bridge cost £345m to build and is higher than the Eiffel Tower
It was designed by a British architect and has special features to stop drivers feeling like they're 'floating'.
The world's tallest bridge stands so high that an entire skyscraper could sit beneath it. While many might assume the highest bridge would be located in nations such as China or the US, it is surprisingly found in France.
The Millau Viaduct forms part of a motorway linking Paris to the Mediterranean. It was designed by British architect Norman Foster and sits in Southern France. Construction finished in 2004 and the building costs totalled roughly €394 million (£345 million).
It boasts a remarkable height of 343 metres (1,125 ft), which surpasses the renowned Eiffel Tower. The Paris landmark measures 330 metres (1,083 feet). Millau Viaduct stretches 2460 metres in length and makes contact with the floor of the Tarn valley merely nine times across its span.
Le Shuttle said: "Plans for a road crossing to alleviate the traffic through the town of Millau date from the 1980s.
"British architect Sir Norman Foster was among the team that designed the viaduct, which was considered the most viable solution to cross the valley and river, with the least ecological impact on the area. Construction of the viaduct began in 2001."
Pedestrian access to the viaduct is prohibited as it serves as a high-speed motorway. But, it still draws tourists and guided informational tours are available.
Tours involve following a dedicated nature trail to an observation deck beneath the bridge and even venturing inside one of the tallest pylons. A marathon occurs annually across the viaduct, and the Tour de France has travelled beneath the viaduct on numerous occasions.
The viaduct has a gentle curve that stretches up to 20km on the carriageway on either side. It helps motorists in countering the sensation of "floating" when travelling on a lengthy, straight bridge.
Enjoy Travel explained: "It has two lanes in each direction and interestingly, the bridge is not straight as this could induce a sensation of floating for drivers.
"To remedy this, the architects designed the bridge to have a slight curve, which is 20km in range. Another design feature that improves safety, is the road's slight incline of 3%, which improves visibility and reassures the driver.
"The bridge is exposed to strong gusts of up to 151km/h, so designers installed side screens that cut the wind's impact by 50 per cent."
Tourists have posted favourable feedback about their experience of the viaduct on TripAdvisor. One remarked: "Love bridges. This is one not to be missed. Be sure to take a look at it from below to get a real sense of it. Real engineering feat."
Another commented: "An absolutely superb place! The viaduct and the surrounding landscape are so beautiful that you feel like you are part of a painting or drawing! It is truly a work of engineering of the highest level."
Another visitor remarked: "Visited today after it been on my bucket list. Great visitors centre, cafe and toilets. Parking is free and you can walk up a 470m path to an awesome view point. You can see the viaduct and surrounding areas. Drove over the bridge with stunning views."
