The Pont Neuf, inaugurated in 1607 under King Henry IV, stands today as Paris’s oldest bridge. Built from stone with elegant arches, it crosses both arms of the Seine, connecting Île‑de‑la‑Cité in a unique blend of history and modernity. Gone are the bygone covered bridges—this bridge was designed from the start as a public promenade, an urban spectacle .

At its centre stands the bronze equestrian statue of Henry IV, begun in 1614 by Giambologna, destroyed in 1792, then re-cast in 1818 via public funds. From every vantage point you enjoy breathtaking views: the grandeur of Notre-Dame, the elegance of the Louvre, the serenity of the Square du Vert‑Galant. Engraved flood markers from the 1910 Seine flood still line its stonework.

Once a lively hub of entertainment, the bridge hosted dog beauticians, tooth-pullers, charlatans and storytellers like Tabarin, even mentioned by Voltaire . Over time, small shops were gradually removed (the last by 1854), and street lamps installed to create an open aesthetic .

Today, Pont Neuf is very much alive : couples, tourists and locals alike stroll here, enjoy sunsets, or embark on nearby Seine boat cruises . A major restoration in 2007 restored the decorative mascarons and ensured structural safety . And in September 2025, artist JR will wrap the arches in a temporary piece as a tribute to past art interventions.

Practically, the bridge is always open to pedestrians, served by Pont‑Neuf metro station (line 7), RER C (Musée d’Orsay), and many bus lines (21, 27, 58, 67, 69, 70, 72, 74, 75, 85). Parking is limited; public transport is recommended. Free and unrestricted access year-round, unless affected by specific events or maintenance.

Its audience is universal: history lovers, photographers, families, travelers. The atmosphere shifts by time of day : romantic at sunset, softly illuminated at night, peaceful in the early morning. Fun fact: Pont Neuf was among the first Parisian sites to have public electric lighting, as early as 1843 .

In short, Pont Neuf is more than a passage—it’s a living witness to Paris’s evolution, bridging tradition and change, past and present.