Pont Neuf

The Pont Neuf is the oldest surviving bridge across the Seine in Paris, crossing the western tip of the Ile de la Cite. Despite its name meaning "New Bridge," it dates to the late Renaissance: Henry III laid the foundation stone in 1578 and Henry IV inaugurated the finished structure in 1607. It was the first Paris bridge built without houses on top, with wide pavements and half-circle stone balconies above each pier, making it the city's first true promenading bridge. A bronze equestrian statue of Henry IV stands on the central island; the original was melted down in 1792 during the Revolution, and today's cast dates from 1818. Visitors walk the 232-metre stretch of arches, watch the bouquinistes along the quay, and descend the staircase to the waterside Place du Vert-Galant. As part of the UNESCO Paris Seine banks site, the bridge anchors the historic skyline.