Pont des Arts: pedestrian bridge, Seine views, love locks and access
The Pont des Arts is a pedestrian-only footbridge linking the Louvre to the Institut de France, between the 1st and 6th arrondissements. About 155 metres long, it is free and open at all hours. Built between 1802 and 1804, it was the first iron bridge in Paris. The current structure is a rebuild from the 1980s, after part of the old bridge collapsed in 1979 when a barge hit it. It offers one of the best views of the Île de la Cité and the Pont Neuf.
Highlights
The view of the Île de la Cité
From the middle of the bridge you see the tip of the island, the Vert-Galant and the Pont Neuf on one side, and the dome of the Institut de France and the Louvre on the other.
Sunset
The bridge is a popular spot at dusk, and for a picnic on the wooden boards with a bottle and a sandwich. It is also a favourite viewpoint for photographers.
The love locks are over
From around 2008-2010 thousands of padlocks were attached to the railings; they were removed in June 2015 (about 45 tonnes) and the railings replaced with open panels. Padlocks are now banned, so there is no point bringing one.
Practical info
Tips
- The bridge is for pedestrians only: no bikes or scooters. Avoid people offering "petitions" or friendship bracelets, and keep your pockets closed, as this is a very busy tourist spot. To extend your walk, cross to the Left Bank and follow the quay to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or head up to the Pont Neuf and the Île de la Cité. On the Right Bank you are a few steps from the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden.
How to get there
Metro Pont Neuf (line 7), Louvre-Rivoli (line 1) or Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7); quai François-Mitterrand on the Right Bank and quai de Conti on the Left Bank.
Opening hours
Nearby
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