- History and visit Tournelle Bridge in Paris
- Curiosities around Tournelle Bridge in Paris
- Transfer to Tournelle Bridge in Paris
History and visit Tournelle Bridge in Paris
The bridge of Tournelle is in Paris 4th district, crossing the Seine and connecting the Quai de Béthune in the 4th arrondissement with the Quai de la Tournelle in the 5th. It is close to metro stations like Maubert-Mutualité and Cardinal Lemoine. This arch bridge is 122 m long, 23 m wide, and 14 m high, featuring pedestrian sidewalks.
Historically, a bridge called the Pont de la Tournelle stood at this location as early as 1370. The original bridge was destroyed by ice in 1637 and rebuilt in wood, only to be swept away by the Seine in 1651. A stone bridge was erected in 1656, which stood until it was replaced in 1928 by the current structure, designed with reinforced concrete by architects Guidetti, Deval, and Lang. The bridge’s name commemorates the “tournelles,” or small towers, of the Philippe Auguste wall that once stood nearby.
The Tournelle Bridge offers a unique perspective of the Seine with its skewed alignment to the river flow, characterized by a large central arch flanked by smaller ones. On the left bank, it features a 15-meter tower topped with a statue of Saint Genevieve by sculptor Paul Landowski, symbolizing protection over the city of Paris.
Curiosities around Tournelle Bridge in Paris
Surrounding the Tournelle Bridge, visitors can explore a variety of historical and cultural sites. The nearby Institut du Monde Arabe showcases Middle Eastern art and culture, while the Jardin des Plantes offers botanical gardens and a natural history museum. The Latin Quarter, known for its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance as a center of education and scholarship, is just a short walk away. The bridge itself offers one of the best views of Notre-Dame Cathedral, especially enchanting at dusk.
Transfer to Tournelle Bridge in Paris
The Tournelle Bridge is at a distance of 31 km from Charles de Gaulle airport, 21 km from Orly airport, and 109 km from the airport of Beauvais. For those seeking a convenient transfer, there are several options including public transportation, taxis, and pre-booked private vehicles. The bridge is also accessible by the Batobus, a river shuttle that offers a scenic route along the Seine.