Pont Neuf

The oldest bridge in Paris, strange as it may sound, is called the New Bridge (Pont Neuf). The construction began to plan Henry II, but he failed to realize his plans, the bridge was laid in 1575, under Henry III, and the construction was completed under the next king – Henry IV in 1606. The bridge is a Romanesque style structure and consists of short arched spans connected to each other. In 1614 a monument to Henry IV was erected on the bridge – a statue of a horseman. During the Paris Commune the monument was destroyed, now you can see a copy of the original sculpture, restored by decree of Louis XVIII. According to the king’s plan, there should be no commercial establishments on the New Bridge. At first it was so: from the bridge there were beautiful views of the Seine, the island of Cité and the Louvre. But very soon traders occupied all the free places, and on the New Bridge appeared the usual for Paris balagans and shops. The New Bridge was a popular place for strolling, folk festivals and fairs were often held here, street musicians performed. But with time Pont Neuf ceased to be one of the important centers of Parisian life, and became just a historical monument and a functional structure connecting the banks of the Seine. We invite you to take a sightseeing tour of Paris During which you will be able to familiarize yourself with many other sights of the capital in the company of a Russian-speaking guide.

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