The Orb bridge-a recent structure that is already part of our heritage!

The site was unveiled in 2017 to enable pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river safely and showcase a unique art installation.

Lionel Laussedat is a world-renowned sculptor and resident artist at Château Vargoz. He works mainly on sculptures for public areas: he’s the brains behind Gaïa, the great whale on the Valras-Plage seafront! He reintroduces us to “small” local heritage that is little-known because it lost credibility a long time ago. In the village, his work runs along the wall and leads us to the bridge.

Three vintage photos from postcards or private collections give us a glimpse of early 20th century Sérignan when the Orb was the heart of village life. It was a place to go fishing, swimming and playing. It was also where you did your laundry and drew your water. These carefully-chosen photos of washerwomen, water carriers and grape pickers show how integral women were to village life.

The outstanding site puts the “fun” (exploring the village’s history) into “functional” (a relaxing place to cross the Orb, away from the red bridge and its busy traffic) and has made it an instant hit in Sérignan!