Pont Neuf – New Bridge

The Pont Neuf, in Paris

The Pont Neuf is, despite its name, the oldest bridge of Paris still standing, which spans the Seine at the tip of the Île de la Cité. The Paris audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this historic monument, completed under Henri IV, whose equestrian statue watches over the bridge.

The oldest bridge of Paris and the statue of Henri IV

The Pont Neuf is one of the most emblematic monuments of Paris, and the oldest bridge of the town still in place, despite its name which means new bridge. Its construction, begun under the reign of Henri III, was completed in 1607 under Henri IV, who inaugurated it. It crosses the Seine by leaning on the western tip of the Île de la Cité, which it links to the two banks. At the time, this bridge was a true innovation: wide, clear of houses and equipped with pavements, adorned with half-moons and sculpted mascarons, it became a very popular place of promenade and animation. At its junction with the island stands the famous equestrian statue of King Henri IV, nicknamed the Vert Galant. A witness of four centuries of Parisian history, the Pont Neuf is a must-see monument of Paris.

What to see

You admire the oldest bridge of Paris still standing, completed in 1607 under Henri IV, wide and adorned with half-moons and sculpted mascarons, which leans on the tip of the Île de la Cité, as well as the famous equestrian statue of Henri IV, the Vert Galant. The Pont Neuf is a must-see monument of Paris. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Pont Neuf spans the Seine at the tip of the Île de la Cité, in the heart of Paris, reachable on foot and by public transport, including the metro. It is a public bridge freely accessible, which offers fine views over the river and the island. You discover it during a walk along the Seine.

Why is the Pont Neuf of Paris called this when it is the oldest?

It was called new bridge at its completion in 1607 under Henri IV, because it was then the most modern and innovative of the town; it is today the oldest bridge of Paris still standing, adorned with the equestrian statue of Henri IV.

Where is the Pont Neuf?

On the Seine, at the tip of the Île de la Cité, in the heart of Paris, in France.