Pont Neuf, Paris
Pont Neuf
Address: Ilele de la Cite
Arrondissement: 1st
Hours: No set hours.
Ticketing: Free.
About Pont Neuf
During the mid 1500’s, Paris’ two bridges over the Seine were a constant mob scene and in very poor condition. In 1578, King Henry III decided it was time to change all of that and construct a new bridge. The bridge was opened in 1607 by King Henry IV who oversaw most of the construction. He dubbed it “Pont Neuf.” Upon his death, an equestrian statue of King Henry IV was positioned in the middle of the bridge in his honor for all to see. The bronze statue, like many Parisian landmarks, went through hardships during the French Revolution. It was knocked down and melted during this period but was replaced shortly after in 1818.
The bridge was very contemporary for its time. It is 232 meters long and 22 meters wide. It was the first without housing built on it but rather it was paved with rounded areas. It provided the perfect spot for socializing. It has a grand total of 12 stunning arches. Pont Neuf is surely Paris’ most celebrated, not to mention beautiful, bridge. Today the bridge can still be used as a socialization point, meeting place or you can take a boat ride beneath it to admire its stunning architectural details.
Getting to Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf can be reached by metro line 7’s Pont Neuf station or line 4’s Cite station.
Located at 84-86 Rue Saint-Denis, the delightful 1 star Hotel de la Vallee is situated in a lively pedestrian area. It is within walking distance many wonderful attractions such as Pont, Neuf, Le Musee Beaubourg, Louvre and Notre Dame. Regardless of the noise outside, the hotels rooms are all quiet and comfortable and come with a personal bathroom. Prices start at 40EUR per night.
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Photo of Pont Neuf courtesy of Wikimedia.org
