Le Pont des Arts – the Love Lock Bridge

The Pont des Arts, in Paris

The Pont des Arts is an emblematic pedestrian footbridge of Paris, which links the Louvre to the Institut de France over the Seine. The Paris audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this romantic bridge, one of the most famous and photographed of the capital.

The romantic footbridge between the Louvre and the Institut

The Pont des Arts is one of the most charming and romantic footbridges of Paris. This elegant bridge reserved for pedestrians was built at the beginning of the nineteenth century, under Napoleon, and was one of the first metal bridges of the capital, a witness of the technical boldness of the era. It links two major monuments: the Louvre Palace, on the right bank, and the Institut de France, with its dome, on the left bank. From its deck, you enjoy one of the finest views over the Seine, the Île de la Cité, the Pont Neuf and the surrounding monuments. A place of promenade, meeting and contemplation, prized by lovers and artists, the Pont des Arts was for a long time covered with love locks. It is one of the most emblematic and prized bridges of Paris.

What to see

Here you wander on the elegant pedestrian footbridge of the beginning of the nineteenth century, one of the first metal bridges of the capital, linking the Louvre to the Institut de France, from where you enjoy one of the finest views over the Seine, the Île de la Cité and the Pont Neuf. The Pont des Arts is an emblematic romantic bridge of Paris. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Pont des Arts spans the Seine between the Louvre and the Institut de France, in the heart of Paris, reachable on foot. It is a public pedestrian footbridge freely accessible, which offers fine views over the river. The light is particularly beautiful at sunset.

What does the Pont des Arts link in Paris?

The Louvre Palace, on the right bank, to the Institut de France and its dome, on the left bank; this pedestrian footbridge of the beginning of the nineteenth century, one of the first metal bridges of Paris, offers one of the finest views over the Seine.

Where is the Pont des Arts?

On the Seine, between the Louvre and the Institut de France, in the heart of Paris, in France.