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Pont Notre-Dame: A Bridge Through Parisian History

Walk across centuries of Parisian history on this iconic bridge, offering stunning views of the Seine River and Île de la Cité.

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Pont Notre-Dame, one of Paris's oldest bridges, has stood in various forms since antiquity, connecting the Île de la Cité to the Right Bank. Rebuilt several times, the current design dates back to the early 20th century, offering pedestrians scenic views of the Seine and the heart of Paris.

A brief summary to Pont Notre-Dame

  • 77 Quai de la Corse, Paris, 75004, FR

Local tips

  • Take your time while crossing the bridge to enjoy the views of the Seine River and the surrounding historical landmarks.
  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most picturesque lighting and photo opportunities.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around Île de la Cité to explore other attractions like Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Notre-Dame Cathedral, walk north along Rue du Cloître Notre-Dame. Cross the Quai de la Corse to reach the bridge entrance. The walk is approximately 5 minutes and is free.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Metro Line 4 to Cité station. Upon exiting the station, walk north towards Quai de la Corse; the bridge is a short walk from there. A single T+ ticket costs €2.50.

  • Taxi

    From the Louvre Museum, a taxi ride to Pont Notre-Dame typically costs between €8 and €15, depending on traffic. The journey usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Taxi stands are available near the Louvre, or you can use a ride-sharing app.

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Discover more about Pont Notre-Dame

The Pont Notre-Dame, despite not being the oldest standing bridge in its original form, holds the distinction of being the 'most ancient' site for a bridge in Paris. Since the 3rd century BC, this location has been a crucial crossing point over the Seine, initially as a wooden footbridge constructed by the Celtic tribe Parisii. The Romans enhanced these early structures, aligning the bridge with their Cardo, a primary north-south thoroughfare. Over the centuries, the bridge has been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times, reflecting Paris's turbulent history. During the Viking siege in the 9th century, it was replaced by a plank bridge. In 1413, King Charles VI ordered a new wooden bridge to be built, later known as Pont Notre-Dame. This bridge was lined with houses and shops, becoming a popular commerce spot until it collapsed in 1499. A subsequent stone bridge, completed in 1507, also featured buildings and became known for being the first in Paris to have numbered houses. In the 18th century, the houses were removed due to sanitary concerns and structural instability. The bridge was reconstructed in 1853 with five arches, but this design led to numerous water traffic accidents, earning it the nickname 'Devil's Bridge'. The current design, inaugurated in 1919, features a central metal arch flanked by two smaller stone arches, designed by Jean Résal. Today, Pont Notre-Dame provides pedestrians with unobstructed views of the Seine and remains a vital link between the Île de la Cité and the Right Bank.

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