Jouy-Aux-Arches – Roman Aqueduct and Local History

Jouy-aux-Arches can be discovered from several angles: the Roman aqueduct and its surviving arches shape the historic character of the town. Other landmarks include the Église Saint-André and the Château du Veau d'Or. Paths along the Moselle, around ponds, and on the hillsides offer a different perspective on the landscape. If you are considering Jouy-Aux-Arches as a destination for a hotel stay, these different interests may play a part in your plans.

The Roman Aqueduct and Its Arches

The Gallo-Roman aqueduct of Jouy-aux-Arches dates from the 2nd century AD and is classified as a historic monument. Sixteen monumental arches have been preserved within the municipality. The above-ground aqueduct bridge is 1,128 metres long and once comprised 110 piers; the tallest reached 25 metres. The aqueduct is considered one of the best-preserved structures of the Western Roman Empire.

Beneath the arches is a basin with a diameter of four metres. Its purpose was to reduce the flow of water at the aqueduct's outlet by creating a whirlpool. Along with the tall arches, the basin is one of the structural details that may catch your eye when viewing the site. The Roman aqueduct can only be viewed from the outside. As access conditions may change, check them before your visit.

Church and Fortified House

The Église Saint-André is also part of the town's history: it was completed in 1700. Arthur Schouler created 13 of the church's 14 stained-glass windows. The number of windows and their artist attribution give the church its own art-historical significance, distinct from the ancient aqueduct.

The fortified house, Château du Veau d'Or, is still visible in Jouy-aux-Arches. Between 1444 and 1445, Charles VII and René d'Anjou occupied the house with their troops and fortified themselves there. The town's history thus brings together ancient structures, a church dating from the early modern period, and the story of the fortified house.

Paths, the Moselle Riverbank, and the Arboretum

The Parcours des arches discovery trail has seven stops along the aqueduct bridge. Eleven information panels explain the history and features of the ancient structure. The trail and its panels are maintained locally; it is advisable to check their current condition before visiting.

Numerous paths lead walkers through landscapes along the Moselle, around numerous ponds, and on the hillsides. In the arboretum, information panels provide details on identifying species and other topics. On the banks of the Moselle, an outdoor fitness trail offers the opportunity to do some basic exercises. Alongside views of the cultural heritage, there are paths through a variety of landscapes and an opportunity for some simple outdoor exercise.

The Voie Bleue and Trip Planning

The Metz–Pont-à-Mousson section of the Voie Bleue reaches Jouy-aux-Arches and its Roman aqueduct. The section is listed as 33 kilometres long, with a journey time of two hours and ten minutes. These figures apply to the section; route details may change. If you plan to include the cycling route in your trip, check the latest section details in advance.

With its seven stops, the Parcours des arches focuses on the aqueduct bridge and its history; the Voie Bleue information describes a 33-kilometre section between Metz and Pont-à-Mousson. These different scales can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: viewing the structure from the outside, walking through the landscape, or including the town in a cycling stage.

Discover more destinations: Illange, Bayon, Plappeville, Arzviller, Yutz, Zoufftgen, Diane-Capelle, Bousse.

Go to the wider travel overview: Moselle.