5 Bridges of Paris: Storytelling Through the Seine’s Crossings

Connecting the Left and Right Banks of Paris, 37 bridges of all ages and designs today span the Seine as it meanders 13km through the city. Each – whether serenely neoclassical, flamboyantly art nouveau or sleek and contemporary – has its own unique tale to tell, all contributing to the rich and timeless narrative of beautiful Paris.

It’s ironic that the oldest bridge in Paris should be called the “New Bridge” as it actually dates back over four centuries. It was the brainchild of King Henry III and work began on it in the late 16th century, but political turmoil and lack of budget meant it was not completed until 1607. Soaring across the River Seine in 12 spans, it takes in the western end of the Île de la Cité on its way from the Right to the Left Bank. With its neoclassical proportions adorned by grotesque stone faces, it adds a touch of glamour to the cityscape. 

The bridge is known for several design innovations: It was the first Parisian bridge not to have houses built on it, the first to have pavements to protect pedestrians from road filth, and the first to feature a bronze equestrian statue. The latter represents King Henry IV and has had a somewhat chequered existence; destroyed during the French Revolution, it was then promptly recast when the monarchy was restored in 1814.

• Getting there: Quai de la Mégisserie-Quai des Grands Augustins, 75001. Métro Line 7 to Pont Neuf on the Right Bank, or Line 4 to Cité on Île de la Cité.
  
  
• What to see nearby: This is certainly an area with lots to see and do. The two spans of the Pont Neuf bridge connect the Musée du Louvre and its stellar art collections with the lively, late-night Latin Quarter, the Panthéon and the Musée de Cluny (be sure to see the exquisite “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestry) on the Left Bank. We also recommend that you explore Île de la Cité itself, taking in the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral and see the colourful stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle.

Another of the 17th-century bridges of Paris, Pont Marie lies just south of the Pont Neuf and connects neighbouring Île Saint-Louis across the Seine to the hip Marais quarter. Its backstory is eventful to say the least. A small bridge with five chunky stone spans, it was needed to provide easy access to the minuscule island and more housing as the city expanded. Unhappily, the bridge and many of its dwellings were destroyed by a cataclysmic flood in 1658; it was replaced by a temporary wooden construction with a toll gate to pay for repairs, with the original finally being restored – and its surviving houses demolished – in 1740.

More recently, Pont Marie has been in the news again. A small statue of a red devil mysteriously appeared on the bridge in autumn 2020. It’s the work of street artist James Colomina (a Gallic version of Banksy), and you’ll see it best walking towards the Eiffel Tower along the Right Bank.

• Getting there: Quai des Célestins-Quai de Bourbon, 75004. Métro line 7 to Pont Marie.
  
  
• What to see nearby: We suggest a wander around Île Saint-Louis to admire the grand mansions overlooking the river and a stop at Berthillon, one of the best ice-cream parlours in the city. After that, perhaps visit the Marais; buy a baguette, artisan cheese and tomatoes from the Marché des Enfants Rouges and picnic under the trees in gorgeous Place des Vosges, or otherwise see the works of a great 20th-century artist at the Musée National Picasso-Paris. You can also join romantic bateau mouche cruises along the Seine on the Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville.

Thus wrote acclaimed – and lovelorn – French poet Guillaume Apollinaire 15 years after Pont Mirabeau was opened in 1897. Connecting the 15th and 16th arrondissements, one of the most iconic bridges of Paris is an intricate exercise in 19th-century engineering excellence – its three steel arches are supported by vast granite piers adorned with allegorical bronzes by sculptor Jean-Antoine Injalbert. But the bridge is more than a great feat of design to the Parisians, who hold it dear as a symbol of the timeless nature of love reflected in the ceaseless flow of the river.

• Getting there: Quai André Citroën–Quai de Javel, 75015. Métro Line 10 to Javel-André Citroën or Mirabeau.
  
  
• What to see nearby: The bridge is 25 minutes’ walk from the Eiffel Tower and offers the city’s best sunset views of this spindly Paris landmark, making it a memorable spot for lovers taking pics for their socials. However, please remember that placing love locks on the bridges of Paris is illegal since railings on the Pont des Art collapsed under their weight. 

Another bridge that should definitely be on your sightseeing itinerary is Pont Alexandre III. It was constructed as part of a grand project to link the Grand Palais and Petit Palais across the Seine with the golden-domed Hôtel des Invalides on the Left Bank for the World Fair in 1900, which brought in around 50 million visitors to celebrate the sheer beauty of Paris. Named after the penultimate tsar of Russia to mark a short-lived political alliance between the two countries, this glorious Art Nouveau confection sweeps over the river in a single steel span, liberally encrusted with gilded cherubs and mythical creatures, watched over by winged horses atop immense marble pillars. The bridge looks even more spectacular at night when illuminated by lamplight, and draws in the crowds for stunning Eiffel Tower panoramas. 

• Getting there: Cours la Reine-Quai d'Orsay, 75008. Métro lines 8 and 13 or RER C to Invalides.
  
  
• What to see nearby: Pont Alexandre III is near some of Paris’s biggest attractions. You’ll find crowd-pulling art in the Petit Palais, and exhibitions from spring 2025 onwards in the soaring glass-and-steel Grand Palais. If you need a breather, have a stroll round the Tuileries Gardens or cross the river for a snooze on the lawns at Esplanade des Invalides.

Bringing us up to date and named to honour one of France’s greatest philosophers, this “green” bike-and-pedestrian-only river crossing is the latest to be built in Paris. Inaugurated in 2006, it is the work of Dietmar Feichtinger, who has created a thoroughly contemporary, fluid and undulating architectural masterpiece that appears to float in three waves over the Seine. 

• Getting there: Quai de Bercy-Quai François Mauriac, 75012. Métro line 6 to Quai de la Gare.
  
  
• What to see nearby: The bridge was designed as a link between the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and Parc de Bercy, a verdant spot little known to visitors. We suggest a visit for its peaceful walkways, rose gardens and vineyard. You’ll also find Accor Arena, host to big-name gigs and sporting events, just minutes away along the Quai de Bercy.

Don’t forget that there are 37 bridges spanning the River Seine in the City of Light. We’ve highlighted our favourites, but why not book your next trip to Paris and discover some more for yourself? While you're there, you might also want to explore some of the city's most beautiful hidden gardens.