The Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge crossing the Seine and offers stunning panoramic views of the Paris downtown and the river. This bridge, whose name ironically translates to "New Bridge," is hundreds of years old and held an important place in city travel during the 17th century.
It sits in the heart of the Paris city centre and is considered by many to be the heart of the city. It also claims to be the site of the first-ever daguerreotype photo with a human being. It's a historic architectural marvel and a must-visit for any Parisian vacation.
Pont Neuf - one of the highlights of 14 Most Instagrammable Places in Paris (Read all about Paris here)
Features and highlights of Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf was built in 1606 in accordance with ancient Roman design standards. It has a number of architectural features that make it an attraction for historians and fans of art and architecture alike.
The first are the 381 stone mascarons, copies of original renaissance works. Second is the bronze statue of Henry IV, which, in its current incarnation, dates to 1818 (a replacement of the 1618 original). The La Samaritaine building is another architectural feature dating to the 19th century, and it honors the original pump that once decorated the bridge.
Good to know about Pont Neuf
There are 2 ways to experience the Pont Neuf. You can traverse the bridge, or you can take a cruise down the Seine, which can highlight the architectural designs that you may not see from the bridge itself. Many local hotels offer discounts on cruises, so be sure to ask your accommodations if they can help in that regard.
The bridge is pedestrian friendly, and many people buy locks at local shops to write on and place on a special fence along the bridge. Dogs can be taken on leash, and some of the cruise boats are pet friendly, but always check before bringing your dog.
Pont Neuf
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