Pont-de-Crau

It is named after the bridge/aqueduct that was built circa 1585 to carry the Canal de Craponne across the fetid swamps south east of the city.

In 1581 the Ravel brothers began to extend the canal to Arles, traversing the arid plain of Crau.

The project was sanctioned by Robert de Montcalm, councillor of king Henry III of France and president of his court at the Parlement of Aix-en-Provence.

[1] In 1584, the associates built the Pont-de-Crau, a bridge and aqueduct to cross a fetid foul water swamp south east of Arles.

Two consuls of Arles had opposed the project and energised a following among the local population, so De Montcalm summoned them to appear before the Parliament of Aix in November 1585, but he died on 20 October 1585, before the hearing.