Pont Neuf: Paris's Oldest Bridge, Mascarons, Vert-Galant and Access

Updated on October 7, 2026

Despite its name, the Pont Neuf ("New Bridge") is the oldest bridge still standing in Paris. Begun in 1578 and inaugurated in 1607 under Henri IV, it crosses the Seine in two arms on either side of the tip of the Île de la Cité, on the border of the 1st and 6th arrondissements. It was the city's first bridge without houses built on it, which gave real views of the river. It is free and accessible at any hour.

Highlights

A bridge of twelve arches

About 232 metres long, the bridge links both banks by resting on the Île de la Cité. From its raised pavements, the view takes in the Louvre, the Institut de France and the quays.

The mascarons

More than 380 mascarons, carved grotesque faces, line the cornice beneath its arches. Look at them from the quay or from a boat to see them up close.

The statue of Henri IV

In the middle of the bridge, the equestrian statue of Henri IV recalls the king who inaugurated it. The original statue, erected in 1614, was destroyed during the Revolution; the current one dates from 1818.

The Square du Vert-Galant

A discreet staircase near the statue leads down to this triangular garden at the tip of the Île de la Cité. A ramp also gives access for people with reduced mobility; boat trips on the Seine leave from here.

Practical info

Tips

Access to the bridge is free and open to all. According to the City of Paris, the Square du Vert-Galant is open around the clock in October 2026, but it may close in strong wind or bad weather. For the best view, walk the bridge at sunset, then go down to the square. A few minutes away, the Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie and Notre-Dame de Paris complete a stroll around the Île de la Cité.

How to get there

Metro line 7, Pont Neuf station; line 1, Louvre-Rivoli station; line 4, Cité station; lines 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14, Châtelet station. Address: place du Pont-Neuf, 75001 Paris.