Vincent van Gogh painted the original bridge at least four times, including oils and watercolor studies.
The current structure is a replica built in the 1960s to replace the original which had been demolished decades prior.
The original bridge was one of many drawbridges designed to allow the passage of boats along the canal connecting the Rhône to the Mediterranean.
Van Gogh initially referred to the bridge as the 'Pont de l'Anglois' in his correspondence, likely a phonetic mistake regarding the name of a former bridge keeper.
The bridge's design reflects Dutch drawbridges common in the 19th century, reminding Van Gogh of his homeland.
The bridge is located roughly 2 kilometers south of the Arles city center.
The Langlois Bridge, also known as the Pont de Langlois, is a reconstruction of the original 19th-century drawbridge famously depicted by Vincent van Gogh in several paintings. Located on the Canal d'Arles à Bouc, the structure serves as a tangible connection to Van Gogh’s Arles period between 1888 and 1889. The original iron-and-wood bridge was dismantled in 1930, but this replica was installed nearby to preserve the visual heritage of the site. The bridge operates as a historical marker rather than an active transit thoroughfare. It is situated in a semi-rural setting that reflects the landscape Van Gogh captured on canvas. Visitors can walk across the bridge and view the surrounding canal banks, which have changed significantly since the late 19th century.
From the canal path looking up at the bridge structure to align the perspective with Van Gogh’s famous compositions.
Combine this visit with a self-guided walking tour of Van Gogh’s other painting sites in Arles.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the path alongside the canal can be uneven.
Carry plenty of water if visiting in the summer, as there is limited shade near the bridge.
Do not expect to see the original bridge, and avoid relying on it as a functional crossing for vehicles or bicycles.
