In the very heart of Paris, where the tip of the Île de la Cité cuts through the waters of the Seine, stands one of the city`s most famous monuments — the New Bridge (Pont Neuf). Its name, meaning "New Bridge," is Paris`s oldest joke, as it is now the oldest surviving bridge in the French capital.
History of a Legend: A Project of Kings
By the 16th century, Paris`s medieval bridges, built up with houses and shops, were narrow, dark, and constantly congested. In 1578, King Henry III laid the first stone for a new, modern bridge intended to solve these traffic problems. However, it was his successor, Henry IV, who completed the grand project. He loved to stroll along the bridge under construction and personally supervised the work.
The grand opening took place in 1607, and the bridge instantly became a symbol of progress and royal power. A statue of Henry IV was erected on the New Bridge, where he proudly looks out over his city from his bronze horse.
Why Was It Revolutionary for Its Time?
The First Stone Bridge Without Houses: Unlike its "older brothers" (like the Pont Notre-Dame), the New Bridge was free of buildings. This allowed Parisians and city guests to enjoy unobstructed views of the Seine for the first time.
The First Bridge with Sidewalks: This was where raised pedestrian zones — "sidewalks" — first appeared. This innovation protected pedestrians from mud and carriages.
Innovative Architecture: The bridge consists of two independent sections connecting the Left and Right Banks with the western tip of the Île de la Cité. It has 12 arches and spans 238 meters. Its design was advanced and incredibly robust.
Architecture and Appearance
The external appearance of the New Bridge allows you to study the history of engineering:
Semicircular Arches: The bridge rests on powerful stone arches, designed to better withstand the force of the river.
"Curious" Projections (Gargoyles): One of the most recognizable features of the bridge are the semi-circular stone projections crowning each supporting pier. They created convenient pockets for pedestrians to shelter from the crowd and stop to admire the view. Today, these are favorite spots for couples and photographers.
"Lune-blanc": The niches in these projections once housed the shops of artisans and merchants, creating a lively market on the bridge. They are empty now but retain the spirit of that era.
Mascarons: On the bridge`s supports, you can notice 381 mascarons — stone-carved grimacing faces of mythical creatures, satyrs, deities, and demons. This is not just decoration; each one is unique and, according to legend, depicts the court jesters and gods from the entourage of Henry IV.
Why Does It Attract Tourists?
Some of the best views in Paris open from the bridge. From here you can see:
• The Louvre on the Right Bank.
• The Samaritaine department store and the Institut de France on the Left Bank.
• The top of the Eiffel Tower peeking out from behind the buildings.
• Touch the Statue of Henry IV: The bronze king on his horse is a popular photo object. The base of the monument is always strewn with flowers brought by grateful Parisians.
• Feel the Atmosphere of Old Paris: Simply walk along the sidewalk, touch the time-worn stones of the parapet, and imagine that the feet of musketeers, Enlightenment philosophers, and Impressionist artists once trod on this very bridge.
• Take a Romantic Boat Trip: At the foot of the bridge, on both sides of the Île de la Cité, are the docks for the Bateaux-Mouches (river boats). A Seine cruise will allow you to see the New Bridge in all its glory from the water.
Square du Vert-Galant: A Secret Garden at the Prow of Paris
Right at the foot of the New Bridge, on the very western tip of the Île de la Cité, lies one of Paris`s most romantic and peaceful spots — the Square du Vert-Galant. To get here, you need to descend a steep staircase from the embankment. It`s not just a square, but the true "prow of the ship" of the island. The name "Vert-Galant" (which can be translated as "Old Rake") is the nickname of King Henry IV, known for his amorous nature, whose equestrian statue towers over the bridge itself. Thus, the square became a kind of monument not to the king-ruler, but to the king-human, who appreciated the joys of life.
This place is beloved by both Parisians and tourists for its incredible atmosphere of seclusion. There is no roar of traffic here, only the lapping of water and the rustle of plane tree leaves. In summer, the square turns into a perfect spot for picnics: couples spread blankets on the grass, open a bottle of wine, and enjoy the views of Paris. Lovers come here for dates to admire the sunset when the golden rays color the stone walls of the embankments.
