Pont des Arts, Paris

Name: Pont des Arts
Address: River Seine, Paris, France

#81 among attractions in Paris

Bridge, Novelty architecture

Gallery (13)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / DXR / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Paris 16 / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / ThePromenader / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Paris 16 / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Павел Котов / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Paris 16 / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Paris 16 / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Paris, France, the Pont des Arts is an iconic pedestrian bridge that spans the serene Seine River, connecting the Institut de France and the central square of the Palais du Louvre. Known for its stunning views and romantic ambiance, the Pont des Arts is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to capture the essence of Parisian charm.

Constructed between 1802 and 1804 under the reign of Napoleon I, the bridge originally served both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. However, after suffering structural damage over the years, it was rebuilt in the 1980s as a pedestrian-only bridge, preserving its historical significance while adapting to contemporary needs. Its current design, made of steel, stays true to the aesthetic of the original nine-arch structure.

The Pont des Arts gained widespread popularity as the "Love Locks" bridge, where couples from around the world would attach padlocks to the bridge's railings as a symbol of their love and throw the keys into the Seine River. This tradition grew so much that by 2015 the weight of the locks posed a safety risk, leading to their removal and the installation of glass panels to prevent further placements.

Today, the bridge is a serene spot for a leisurely stroll, offering unrivaled views of the Seine and the cityscape, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It's not uncommon to find artists capturing the picturesque scenery, street performers entertaining passersby, or locals enjoying a picnic on its benches.

Alternative names: Completed: 1984 (40 years ago)Length: 509 ftWidth: 36 ftCoordinates: 48°51'31"N, 2°20'15"E

Address

River SeineLuxembourg (Monnaie)Paris France

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Paris

Day trips

Pont des Arts – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Musée du Louvre, Louvre Palace, Cour Carrée, Louvre castle.

~890 ftN
Landmark art museum with vast collection
Musée du Louvre, Paris
5 min walk • The Musée du Louvre, situated in the heart of Paris, France, is not just a premier repository of art but also an emblematic monument that embodies the cultural sophistication of the French capital. As the world's largest art museum, the Louvre boasts an unparalleled...
~1000 ftNW
Baroque architecture, Forts and castles, Neo-renaissance architecture
Louvre Palace, Paris
5 min walk • The Louvre Palace, nestled in the heart of Paris, France, is a historic monument and an architectural masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Originally built as a medieval fortress in the late 12th century under Philip II, the Louvre has undergone numerous...
~730 ftN
Baroque architecture, Palace
Cour Carrée, Paris
4 min walk • The Cour Carrée, or Square Courtyard, is an integral part of the iconic Louvre Palace in the heart of Paris, France. This splendid courtyard is one of the oldest parts of the Louvre, dating back to the 16th century, and is renowned for its classical Renaissance...
~630 ftN
Gothic architecture, Baroque architecture, Palace
Louvre castle, Paris
4 min walk • The Louvre Castle, once a formidable medieval fortress, now stands as the silent foundational footprint beneath the world-renowned Louvre Museum in the heart of Paris, France. This historical site, with its origins dating back to the late 12th century, was commissioned...
~790 ftNE
Baroque architecture, Palace, Monuments and statues
Louvre Colonnade, Paris
4 min walk • The Louvre Colonnade, an iconic feature of the world-renowned Louvre Museum, stands as a testament to classical French architecture in the heart of Paris, France. This majestic row of columns graces the eastern facade of the museum, which is not only a central tourist...
~1350 ftNW
Museum, Baroque architecture, Pyramid
Louvre Inverted Pyramid, Paris
7 min walk • The Louvre Inverted Pyramid is a striking piece of modern architecture set against the historical backdrop of the world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris, France. This glass pyramid, designed by the architect I. M. Pei, serves as a skylight for the underground lobby of...
~990 ftN
Museum
Capitoline Venus, Paris
5 min walk • The Capitoline Venus is a renowned classical sculpture housed in the prestigious Louvre Museum in Paris, France. This exquisite piece is a Roman copy of a Hellenistic era sculpture that exemplifies the pinnacle of artistic beauty and craftsmanship from ancient times.
~1170 ftW
Bridge, Novelty architecture
Pont du Carrousel, Paris
6 min walk • The Pont du Carrousel is an elegant arch bridge that spans the Seine River in the heart of Paris, France. Connecting the Right Bank to the Left Bank, this bridge is not just a means of crossing the river but also a piece of Parisian history and a vantage point with...
~770 ftSE
Museum, Architecture, Specialty museum
Monnaie de Paris, Paris
4 min walk • The Monnaie de Paris is a government-owned institution responsible for producing France's coins. Founded in AD 864 with the Edict of Pistres, it is the world's oldest continuously running minting institution.
~1390 ftSE
Leafy public square with cafes
Place Dauphine, Paris
7 min walk • The Place Dauphine is a public square located near the western end of the Île de la Cité in the first arrondissement of Paris. It was initiated by Henry IV in 1607, the second of his projects for public squares in Paris, the first being the Place Royale.
~920 ftE
Gothic architecture, Church, Sacred and religious sites
Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois, Paris
5 min walk • The Church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois is a Roman Catholic church in the First Arrondissement of Paris, situated at 2 Place du Louvre, directly across from the Louvre Palace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Pont des Arts?

Nearby attractions include Bibliothèque Mazarine, Paris (3 min walk), Rue de Nesle, Paris (3 min walk), Tunnel des Tuileries, Paris (3 min walk), Louvre castle, Paris (4 min walk).

How to get to Pont des Arts by public transport?

The nearest stations to Pont des Arts:

Bus

Louvre - Pont des Arts • Lines: rouge (2 min walk)
Pont des Arts • Lines: 27, 69, 72, N11, N24 (2 min walk)

Metro

Pont Neuf • Lines: 7 (6 min walk)
Louvre — Rivoli • Lines: 1 (6 min walk)

Ferry

Louvre • Lines: Batobus (8 min walk)
Musée d'Orsay • Lines: Batobus (14 min walk)

Train

Châtelet - Les Halles (13 min walk)
Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (14 min walk)