2022 October

Pont Neuf

Dating back to the early 17th century, Pont Neuf - 'New Bridge' in French - is the oldest bridge in Paris. The bridge connects the Île de la Cité to the first and sixth arrondissements - 'district' - and is the third longest bridge in Paris at about 762 feet long. The bridge's design was inspired by Roman roads and was one of the first bridges in the Western world to feature sidewalks - or 'trottoirs' - for 'gens de pied', people on foot.

The bridge is adorned with 384 mascarons (ornamental angry faces meant to ward off evil). According to lore, King Henri IV was a bit of a cad and the faces represent those of the angry husbands of women he'd bedded. It really is good to be the king.

The building of Pont Neuf took more than 50 years. The construction of the bridge spanned the reign of three kings. It began under King Henri II, around 1545, continued under King Henri III and was finally inaugurated in 1607 by King Henri IV.

There is so much more history regarding the bridge (the damage of the French Revolution, the repairs completed during Restoration, the surprises inside the equestrain statue of King Henri IV at the west end of the bridge), but I highly recommend visiting it if only for the views. The Eiffel Tower can be seen peeking out in the distance. Gens de pied make their way along the river paths below. Boats glide up and down the Seine River showing tourists the City of Light from the water. Beautiful!