Flying across Millau

Today (Tuesday 14 December) was the inauguration of the highest bridge in the world. The 390 million euro project will be operated as a toll road for (a minimum) 75 years by construction giant Eiffage. The bridge will act as a new route to the south of France and Spain from Northern regions and is expected to carry 10,000 vehicles daily though will peak at 25,000 trucks and holidaymakers daily during the summer tourist season. Foster has said that driving across the bridge should feel like "flying a car".
The Tarn region is highlighted in the map, left. Jaques Chirac was the host of the ceremony for the 885ft high bridge in the Tarn Valley of France's Midi Pyrénées region. The bridge, designed by British Architect Norman Foster consists of a four lane, 1.6 mile (2.4km), viaduct over the Tarn Valley. At 343 metres, the tallest of the seven pylon-topped pillars is higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris which wallows 20 metres below. As the birthplace of the painter Toulouse-Lautrec, the Tarn valley makes it clear where the artist may have come across inspiration.