Pond Neuf

The Pont Neuf, which means "New Bridge" in English, is the oldest bridge over the Seine in Paris that still survives in its original form. Construction began in 1578 under King Henry III and was not completed until 1607 under Henry IV. The arched bridge, 238 meters long and 20 meters wide, links the Right Bank in the 1st arrondissement with the Left Bank in the 6th arrondissement, crossing the western tip of the Île de la Cité along the way. Designed by Baptiste Androuet du Cerceau, it is notable for its asymmetrical combination of round arches with varying spans.

Particularly remarkable is the fact that the Pont Neuf was the first bridge in the city with no houses or shops built on it. This allowed passersby to see the Seine as they crossed, which was a novelty at the time and initially met with resistance from the merchants. It was also the first bridge with sidewalks on both sides separated from the roadway. At the center of the bridge stands an equestrian statue of King Henry IV, created in 1818 by François-Frédéric Lemot.

For visitors, the Pont Neuf is a place rich in historical and cultural associations. It served as the setting for the film The Lovers on the Bridge (Les Amants du Pont-Neuf) and was wrapped by the artist couple Christo and Jeanne-Claude in 1985. At the Right Bank end of the bridge stands the department store La Samaritaine, named after a former pump tower. Today the bridge offers an impressive view of the Seine and the surrounding architecture, while as an important historic structure it reflects the development of Parisian bridge-building.