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| GENERAL INFORMATION | 
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| ARCHITECTURE | 
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| DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM |
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| Water: a history |
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ARCHITECTURE
The construction method used for the Vienne aqueducts fits the norms established in ancient times for this kind of project. They were made up of a bed which formed the foundation of the structure and on which two piers were built of small quarry stones to support a semicircular arch. In order for the water to flow well there had to be a slight, regular slope and the conduit was buried most of the time for protection. It only appeared above the surface when the terrain was too hilly. When a valley had to be crossed arches or a bridge (like the Pont du Gard) had to be built to maintain an even slope. In Vienne, the topography lent itself to underground networks most of the time : the aqueducts go along the sides of the hills. All that has been found are a few small works of art, single or two-arched bridges