Pont au Change: A Bridge Through Parisian History
Cross the Seine on this historic bridge, once home to money changers, and admire its Second Empire architecture and connections to Parisian history.
The Pont au Change, an iconic bridge in Paris, connects the Île de la Cité to the Right Bank. Originally a site for money changers in the 12th century, the current bridge, constructed during Napoleon III's reign (1858-1860), showcases ornate Second Empire architecture.
A brief summary to Pont au Change
- Pont au Change, Paris, 75001, FR
Local tips
- Look for the imperial insignia, the letter 'N', which is a tribute to Napoleon III, during whose reign the current bridge was constructed.
- Take a stroll along the bridge to enjoy views of the Conciergerie and the Palais de Justice on the Île de la Cité.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the Seine, exploring other nearby attractions such as the Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Châtelet Métro station, walk south along the Boulevard du Palais. The Pont au Change will be directly ahead, crossing the Seine. The walk is approximately 5 minutes and offers views of the Palais de Justice.
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Public Transport
Take the Métro to the Cité station on line 4. Upon exiting the station, walk across the Île de la Cité towards the Boulevard du Palais. Cross the boulevard to reach the Pont au Change. A single Métro ticket costs €2.50.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off directly at the Quai de la Mégisserie (Right Bank) or Quai de l'Horloge (Île de la Cité), adjacent to the Pont au Change. A short taxi ride from a central Paris location, such as the Louvre, will cost approximately €11, depending on traffic.
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