The Pont Neuf is a beautiful stone bridge in the heart of Paris, France connecting the Île de la Cité with the right (Rive Droite) and left (Rive Gauche) banks of the Seine and the Louvre complex in the 1st Arrondisement with the Qaurtier Latin.
Pont Neuf translated from French = the “New Bridge”. The name is deceiving as all travellers to Paris learn that the Pont Neuf is actually the oldest bridge in the city.
In 1578 King Henry III decided to build a “New” bridge across the Seine river and the first stone was laid that year. The bridge’s construction wasn’t completed until around 1607 when King Henry IV opened the bridge to use. The bridge’s stone architecture utilized the most modern design techniques of the time.
Connecting both side of the river over the Île de la Cité, the bridge is actually two seperate spans on each side of the little island.
Take some time to learn a bit more about the Pont Neuf or plan a trip to see it with these additional resources -
