The Stone Bridge

The Pont de Pierre, in Bordeaux

The Pont de Pierre is the first bridge built over the Garonne in Bordeaux, an emblematic monument with seventeen arches. The Bordeaux audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this work of the beginning of the nineteenth century, wanted by Napoleon, which links the two banks of the river.

The first bridge over the Garonne and its seventeen arches

The Pont de Pierre is one of the most emblematic monuments of Bordeaux and the first bridge ever built over the Garonne in the town. Until the beginning of the nineteenth century, you could only cross the river by boat. It is the emperor Napoleon I who, according to tradition, wanted to equip Bordeaux with a bridge, whose construction was completed under the Restoration. Built of brick and stone, in a fine harmony of tones, it crosses the river thanks to seventeen arches. Legend has it that this number corresponds to the number of letters of the name Napoléon Bonaparte. The piers of the bridge are adorned with medallions of white marble. Linking the historic centre to the Bastide district, on the other bank, the bridge offers fine views over the Garonne and the town. The Pont de Pierre is a major symbol of Bordeaux.

What to see

You admire the first bridge built over the Garonne in Bordeaux, wanted by Napoleon, built of brick and stone, crossing the river by its seventeen arches whose number would correspond to the letters of Napoléon Bonaparte, adorned with marble medallions, offering fine views over the river and the town. The Pont de Pierre is a major symbol of Bordeaux. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Pont de Pierre crosses the Garonne in the heart of Bordeaux, linking the historic centre to the Bastide bank, reachable on foot and by public transport, including the tram. It is a public work freely accessible, which offers fine views over the river. You cross it during a walk along the quays.

Why does the Pont de Pierre of Bordeaux have seventeen arches?

According to legend, the number of seventeen arches corresponds to the number of letters of the name Napoléon Bonaparte, the emperor who wanted to equip Bordeaux with this first bridge over the Garonne, built of brick and stone.

Where is the Pont de Pierre of Bordeaux?

On the Garonne, in the heart of Bordeaux, in France.