Paris is a city woven together by its iconic bridges that span the Seine River, linking the Left and Right Banks with timeless charm.
With 37 bridges crossing the river, some stand out for their history, architecture, and cultural significance.
These structures don’t just connect neighborhoods—they connect centuries of Parisian life, from medieval times to the dazzling Belle Époque era.
Among the most famous are the Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge at over 400 years old, and the ornate Pont Alexandre III, a symbol of Parisian elegance around 1900.
Exploring these bridges offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich heritage and stunning skyline.
This guide highlights 10 of the most celebrated bridges in Paris, each with its own story and beauty, inviting visitors to experience the city from a fresh and captivating angle.
1. Pont Alexandre III
Built for the 1900 World’s Fair, Pont Alexandre III is Paris’s most ornate and iconic bridge. It spans 524 feet across the Seine, connecting the Champs-Élysées quarter to the Invalides.
The bridge symbolizes the French-Russian alliance and showcases exquisite Belle Époque design, featuring Art Nouveau lamps, cherubs, nymphs, and gilded statues.
Engineers Jean Résal and Amédée Alby crafted this cast-steel marvel to blend elegance with structural strength. Visitors admire both its detailed sculptures and panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and Grand Palais.
2. Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf stands as the oldest standing bridge in Paris, dating back over 400 years. It uniquely connects the Right and Left Banks via the Île de la Cité.
Unlike other bridges, Pont Neuf features wide sidewalks and stone masks called mascarons, showcasing Renaissance artistry.
It symbolizes Paris’s long history and architectural endurance. Its strategic location near the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral makes it a key vantage point for iconic Seine River views.
This historic bridge combines cultural heritage with functional design, making it a must-see landmark in the heart of Paris.
3. Pont des Arts
Built in the early 19th century, Pont des Arts is Paris’s iconic pedestrian bridge linking the Louvre on the Right Bank to the Institut de France on the Left Bank.
Famous for its romantic ambiance, it was the original “love lock” bridge before officials removed the padlocks to protect its structure.
The bridge’s steel arches and wooden deck create a charming space for strolling, photography, and enjoying Seine River views.
Its location offers stunning perspectives of Paris’s cultural landmarks, making Pont des Arts a favorite for both locals and tourists seeking art, history, and romance.
4. Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Spanning the Seine River, Pont de Bir-Hakeim stands out with its unique two-level design, carrying both vehicles and Paris Metro Line 6. Built in 1905, it features distinctive steel arches and ornate Art Nouveau lamps, reflecting early 20th-century industrial elegance.
This bridge connects the 15th and 16th arrondissements, offering stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
Its cinematic appeal has made it a popular filming location, while pedestrians enjoy the promenade beneath the elevated metro tracks. Pont de Bir-Hakeim perfectly blends functional infrastructure with Parisian architectural charm.
5. Pont de la Tournelle
Pont de la Tournelle gracefully connects the Left Bank to Île Saint-Louis, embracing classic Parisian charm. Completed in 1928, it features a striking statue of Saint Genevieve, the city’s protector.
The bridge’s elegant arches and stone construction blend seamlessly with the Seine’s historic ambiance. Pedestrians enjoy panoramic views of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the river’s scenic curves.
As a functional and aesthetic landmark, Pont de la Tournelle embodies both structural simplicity and cultural depth, making it a must-see for visitors exploring Paris’s renowned bridges.
6. Pont Marie
Pont Marie stands as one of Paris’s oldest bridges, dating back to the early 17th century. It links the Right Bank to Île Saint-Louis, offering classic views of the Seine’s gentle flow.
The bridge’s elegant stone arches and historic charm reflect Renaissance architecture. Visitors enjoying strolls here can admire nearby landmarks, including the charming Île Saint-Louis neighborhood with its narrow streets and quaint cafés.
Its pedestrian-friendly design makes Pont Marie a peaceful spot to experience authentic Parisian ambiance along the river.
7. Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir
Opened in 2006, Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir is a striking pedestrian bridge known for its curved, asymmetrical design.
It connects Parc de Bercy on the Right Bank with the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand in the 13th arrondissement.
Named after the influential feminist thinker Simone de Beauvoir, this bridge stands out for its modern architecture and open wooden planks that invite strolling, cycling, and relaxing.
Unlike many historic bridges in Paris, it’s built exclusively for pedestrians, offering a peaceful escape with scenic Seine River views.
8. Pont de l’Alma
Standing as a symbol of Franco-British friendship, Pont de l’Alma crosses the Seine near the Eiffel Tower. Constructed in 1856, it commemorates the Battle of Alma during the Crimean War.
Known for the iconic Flame of Liberty sculpture, the bridge serves as a popular meeting point and unofficial memorial to Princess Diana.
Its cast-iron arches blend 19th-century engineering with elegant design, offering striking views of Paris’s skyline. Pont de l’Alma’s strategic location connects the 7th and 16th arrondissements, making it essential for both transport and cultural reflection.
9. Pont d’Iéna
Pont d’Iéna, built in 1814 by order of Napoleon Bonaparte, spans 140 meters across the Seine, linking the Eiffel Tower with the Trocadéro Gardens.
This stone bridge features impressive statues of five different animals at each end, symbolizing strength and resilience.
Pont d’Iéna serves both vehicles and pedestrians, providing iconic views of the Eiffel Tower and Paris’s skyline. Its strategic location and historic significance make it one of the city’s most visited and photographed bridges.
10. Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor
Connecting the Left Bank’s Musée d’Orsay to the Right Bank’s Tuileries Garden, the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor is a pedestrian bridge known for its sleek, modern design.
Originally named Passerelle Solférino, it was renamed in honor of the Senegalese poet and president Léopold Sédar Senghor.
The bridge features elegant steel arches and wooden decking, offering stunning views of the Seine and nearby landmarks. It invites visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring Paris’s blend of art, culture, and riverside beauty.
Alicia Richards