Pont Neuf

Pont Neuf
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
Take a stroll across this attractive white stone bridge, the oldest bridge in Paris.

Visit Pont Neuf, one of the most famous and most beautiful bridges in Paris. A symbol of the city for more than four centuries, the bridge draws a steady crowd of sightseeing tourists and strolling locals.

Pont Neuf is French for “new bridge,” but this structure is quite old. Construction began in 1578 under the order of King Henry III, but it wasn’t inaugurated until 1607 during the reign of Henry IV. Spanning 761 feet (232 meters) with a width of 72 feet (22 meters), it was the first bridge in Paris to be built with pavements.

For the best views of Pont Neuf, head to the Ponte des Arts footbridge near the Louvre, famous for the love locks shackled to its rails. From here, see the 12-arch Pont Neuf in all its glory. Notice the two separate spans: one joining the left bank to the island of Île de la Cité and the other connecting the island to the right bank of the Seine.

Note how the arches are decorated with numerous carvings of grotesque figures and gargoyles. Some say these figures represent the river gods, while others suggest they are humorous depictions of the common people who were frequently seen loitering on the bridge. The gargoyles are best seen from below while passing under the arches take a boat cruise along the Seine to view them up close.

Stroll across the bridge and enjoy sweeping views toward the Louvre and Tuileries palaces, as well as the old La Samaritaine department store. When you reach the point where the bridge meets Île de la Cité, look for an equestrian bronze statue of Henry IV. This is a replica of an earlier sculpture, which was knocked down during the French Revolution. Stop for a rest or a picnic in the small park at the center, which is known as Square du Vert-Galant.

The Pont Neuf spans the River Seine in the center of Paris, leading on to Île de la Cité, where Notre Dame Cathedral stands. The nearest metro station is Pont Neuf on the right bank.

Reviews of Pont Neuf

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
80
" "5 - Excellent 35.39823008849557%
4 - Good
118
" "4 - Good 52.21238938053097%
3 - Okay
25
" "3 - Okay 11.061946902654867%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 1.3274336283185841%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Jul 2019

Fantastic centre-point to start from. The Paris-Plages extends out on both sides of the bridge. Paris brings the beach to you. Awesome, and even more so when the restaurants, markets, jazz bands are in full swing at the weekend (Thur-Sun)

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Les Patios du Marais
Les Patios du Marais
26 Rue des Gravilliers, Paris
Les Patios du Marais
Novotel Paris Les Halles
Novotel Paris Les Halles
4 out of 5
8 Place Marguerite De Navarre, Paris, Paris
Novotel Paris Les Halles
Citadines Apart'hotel Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris
Citadines Apart'hotel Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris
4 out of 5
53 Ter Quai des Grands Augustins, Paris, Paris
Citadines Apart'hotel Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris
Citadines Les Halles Paris
Citadines Les Halles Paris
4 out of 5
4 Rue Des Innocents, Paris, Paris
Citadines Les Halles Paris
The People Paris Marais
The People Paris Marais
17 Boulevard Morland, Paris
The People Paris Marais
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
4 out of 5
18 avenue de Suffren, Entrée au 22 rue Jean Rey, Paris, Paris
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Tonic Hotel Du Louvre
Tonic Hotel Du Louvre
3 out of 5
12-14 Rue Du Roule, Paris, Paris
Tonic Hotel Du Louvre
Grand Hotel Dechampaigne
Grand Hotel Dechampaigne
3 out of 5
17 Rue Jean Lantier, Paris, Paris
Grand Hotel Dechampaigne
Hotel Britannique
Hotel Britannique
3 out of 5
20 Avenue Victoria, Paris, Paris
Hotel Britannique
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.