In short
Inaugurated by Henry IV in 1607, this bridge connects the Right Bank, the Left Bank, and the western end of the Île de la Cité. Its solid stone arch structure revolutionized Parisian urban planning, becoming the first city bridge without any residential buildings built on it.
Period: 16th century
Architecture: Renaissance
Function: road and pedestrian bridge
Best time: late afternoon
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Pont Neuf opening hours
Since it is a public road in the city, transit is free, free of charge, and accessible at any time of the day or night.
Opening hours
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Everyday 00:00-24:00
What to see at the Pont Neuf
Explore the stone details that have withstood centuries of the Seine flooding and city life.
The Grotesque Masks Not to be missed
Observe the more than three hundred heads carved along the cornices.
The equestrian statue of Henry IV
Discover the bronze monument dedicated to the king who inaugurated it.
The semicircular balconies
Stop in the historic semicircular areas located above the pillars.
The Île de la Cité from below
Admire the tip of the river island as you walk down towards Square du Vert-Galant.
The asymmetrical arches
Look at the difference between the seven northern arches and the five southern ones.
The visit to the Pont Neuf
Follow these tips to enjoy the bridge's authentic atmosphere away from the more chaotic tourist crowds.
Best moment
At sunset for the golden reflections.
Crowding
Moderate but constant throughout the day.
Suitable for children
Yes, to explore the funny faces.
What not to miss
The descent to the tip garden.
Type of experience
Historic, panoramic and ideal for walks.
What to expect
A wide view of the surrounding Seine.
How to visit the Pont Neuf
You can walk around the entire structure starting from either bank, stopping in the semicircular niches to watch the boats pass by, or even climb aboard to enjoy it from the water.
Need to know
- The work is the oldest stone bridge in the city.
- Construction began under Henry III in the fifteenth century.
- The structure has been classified as a historic monument since 1889.
- The overall length reaches 238 meters in total.
Practical advice
Go down the central stairs to visit the Square du Vert-Galant.
Bring binoculars to observe the gargoyles.
Choose the sidewalks to take pictures of the Louvre Museum.
Avoid the unauthorized street vendors present.
How to get to the Pont Neuf
The bridge crosses the Seine, resting on the western tip of the Île de la Cité, in the heart of the historic center.
Line 7 stops at Pont Neuf station, located on the right bank.
Lines B and C stop at the nearby Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station.
Lines 27, 58, 70 and 87 stop nearby.
Walk from the Louvre esplanade towards the Île de la Cité.
Pont Neuf, 75001
Official Transport Paris
- Paris Metro Map
- RER tickets and fares
- Taxis in Paris (numbers and alternatives)
History of the Pont Neuf
King Henry III laid the first stone in 1578, entrusting the project to architects Baptiste Androuet du Cerceau and Pierre des Illes. The work suffered severe delays and a long interruption due to the Wars of Religion that bloodied France at the end of the century.
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Construction work resumed under the leadership of Henry IV, who decided to eliminate the construction of houses on the bridge. This radical innovation served to guarantee an unobstructed view of the river and to avoid overloading the load-bearing stone structure.
The official inauguration took place in 1607, and the bridge immediately became the busiest and liveliest place in the entire city of Paris. Merchants, acrobats, jugglers, and artisans gathered on its wide docks, creating a permanent open-air market.
During the nineteenth century, the semicircular balconies were modified by eliminating the original shops to make room for the current stone seating. The foundations were consolidated to withstand the increasing stresses of modern transportation.
A major restoration at the end of the 20th century cleaned the limestone and consolidated the entire structure of the arches. Today, the bridge retains its Renaissance charm intact, a silent witness to four centuries of transformation of the French capital.
Curiosities about the Pont Neuf
Extraordinary anecdotes surround the fame of this ancient Parisian communication route.
- Mask face: the 381 grotesque sculptures placed on the external sides represent, according to legend, the faces of the courtiers of the time.
- The Samaritan Pump: on the bridge stood a famous decorated hydraulic machine that supplied water to the nearby royal palaces.
- Hidden Statue: The original statue of Henry IV was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt using the bronze of other melted-down sculptures.
- Wrapped in art: In 1985, renowned artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude completely wrapped the bridge in gold fabric.
Tickets and tours nearby
Find accommodation near the Pont Neuf
Want to stay near the Pont Neuf? We've rounded up the best options near Notre Dame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called that if it is the oldest?
At the time of its construction, it was the first modern bridge without houses on it.
Are the masks we see today original?
Most were replaced by faithful copies during the 19th-century restorations.
Can you walk to Notre-Dame from the bridge?
Yes, just walk along the Île de la Cité for a few minutes. In fact, it's often included in city walks like the itineraries Paris in 1 day, Paris in 4 days , and so on.
Is the bridge wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the street sidewalks are wide and connected without barriers.
Which movies have been filmed on this bridge?
The most famous is The Lovers on the Pont-Neuf by director Leos Carax.
Are there lovers' locks here?
Padlocks are constantly removed to safeguard the historic stone parapets.
Is the park under the bridge always open?
The Square du Vert-Galant follows the opening hours of Parisian public parks .
Is it safe to walk at night?
Yes, the area is very central, very busy and welllit.
