Sant-Brieg

Once a Roman made bridge spanned the river here, but it was destroyed during an epic flood about a hundred years ago.
Since that time, travelers have crossed by means of a ferry.

The Ferry

Two enormously thick ropes span the river here, affixed to a huge wooden capstan. A pair of draft horses harnessed to the capstan turn the device, drawing the ropes, to which a large flat bottomed barge - the ferry - is secured.
Another capstan and team on the far bank works a second ferryboat, if needed.

History

Sant-Brieg is named after a Welsh monk Brioc, who Christianised the region in the 6th century.

Founding Date

6th century AD

Population

553

Owning Organization

Crownlands

When drawn by two horses, the ferry crosses the river at a rate of 10 feet per round, taking about 6 minutes to make the crossing.