Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas (Jacques Chaban-Delmas Bridge), Bordeaux (must see)

The Garonne is a river that flows into the Gironde estuary in Bordeaux. The city has grown to encapsulate both sides of the river. One of the city's primary bridges is also a landmark that deserves inclusion on any itinerary to Bordeaux. The Jacques Chaban-Delmas Bridge is not your typical bridge.

The Jacques Chaban-Delmas Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge, which allows water crafts to pass beneath it with ease. It is also the tallest vertical-lift bridge in Europe with a lift of 77 meters, or approximate 252 feet.

The pedestrian-friendly bridge offers a walking path that can be used to cross the Garonne. It also provides a lovely view at night when the lights from the bridge reflect onto the water below.

Construction on the bridge began in 2009 and was completed in 2012. It finally opened in March 2013 with an inauguration by President Francois Hollande. The bridge was named for Chaban-Delmas, who was once mayor of Bordeaux and later became prime minister of France.