Shuttle transport from Pont Neuf to Paris Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports

History, significance and visitation of the Pont Neuf in Paris

The Pont Neuf, which is known as the oldest standing bridge in Paris, spans the Seine at the western peak of the Île de la Cité. Measuring 238 m in length and 20 m in width, this impressive structure was constructed in the late sixteenth century and completed in the early years of the seventeenth century. Its name, which literally means ‘New Bridge,’ is quite ironic considering it is the oldest of its kind in the city. Notably, it was a departure from other bridges of the time in that it had no houses built upon it and featured sidewalks protecting pedestrians from mud and horses.

The Pont Neuf is unique, as it is the only bridge in Paris that fully traverses the Seine. Inscriptions reading “New Bridge” or “Pont Neuf” can be seen on its sides. This monument has been recognized for its historical significance since 1889 and, in 1991, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage along with the other riverbanks of the Seine in Paris.

The Pont Neuf is typically referred to as a bridge made of masonry or stone, or as an arched bridge, which hints at the method of its construction. This description aligns it with a certain type of bridge design prevalent from ancient times up until the early twentieth century. These masonry bridges formed a large part of the lineage of arch bridges, characterized by their abutments and support interactions.

Building the arches of these bridges required materials capable of withstanding tremendous pressure. However, these materials lacked the flexibility needed for shaping. Other materials used for arch bridges, including wood, concrete or prestressed concrete, offered greater flexibility and could work in curvature. This allowed for the construction of bridges with more substantial spans.