Pont Neuf

Overview

Despite its name meaning "New Bridge," the Pont Neuf is remarkably the oldest standing bridge crossing the river Seine in Paris. A massive, beautiful stone structure, it gracefully connects the Left and Right Banks directly across the western tip of the Île de la Cité.

Highlights

• The Mascarons: Look closely at the sides of the bridge—it is decorated with 381 individually carved, grotesque stone masks (mascarons) depicting mythical figures and alleged caricatures of 17th-century courtiers.
• Place Dauphine: The incredibly charming, hidden triangular square located exactly where the bridge crosses the island.
• Square du Vert-Galant: The small, romantic, tear-drop-shaped park extending out into the river directly beneath the bridge.

History

King Henry IV inaugurated the bridge in 1607. It was radically "new" because it was the very first bridge in Paris to be paved, the first to feature sidewalks protecting pedestrians from mud, and the first deliberately built without houses blocking the view of the river.

Visitor Tips

• River Cruises: This is where the famous Vedettes du Pont Neuf boat tours depart. The docking point is in the Square du Vert-Galant below.
• Sunset: The stone alcoves extending outward over the pillars provide perfect, romantic spots to stand and watch the sun set over the Seine.
• Duration: 15 minutes.