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Pont des Arts (Passerelle des Arts)
The first iron bridge in Paris, construction of this foot-bridge lasted from 1801 to 1804. It was named Pont des Arts because of its proximity to the Louvre which was at that time called the Palais des Arts.
| The bridge was heavily damaged during the 19th and 20th centuries, and in 1979 part of its walkway collapsed. Rebuilt in 1984 with fewer spans (7 instead of 9) to align harmoniously with the spans of Pont-Neuf. The Pont des Arts is the only bridge in Paris with a flat walkway. |
| Thanks to its location and pedestrian traffic, it became very popular the moment it was built. Marked by art and literature, the bridge was praised by Sainte-Beuve in the 19th century and today occasionally hosts outdoor art exhibitions, like the one for Ousmane Sow in the spring of 1999. |
| "Under a star-filled night sky on the beautiful Pont des Arts; returning alone leaving the growling city behind, I have dreamt a thousand times that Eden on this Earth would be to bring my gentle-faced angel here…" (“Par un ciel étoilé, sur ce beau pont des Arts, Revenant tard et seul de la Cité qui gronde, J'ai mille fois rêvé que l'Eden en ce monde Serait de mener là mon ange aux doux regards...") - Extract from Charles Sainte-Beuve |
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Practical Information
| Address : | Quai du Louvre |
| Quartier : | Louvre - Palais-Royal |
| Postal Code : | 75001 |
| City : | Paris |
 |  | : |
| Pont Neuf |
| Address : | Quai Malaquais |
| Quartier : | Saint-Germain-des-Prés |
| Postal Code : | 75006 |
| City : | Paris |
| | : |
| Saint-Germain-des-Prés |
Local Amenities
Related Topics
Pont du Carrousel, Pont des Arts, Pont Neuf, Louvre.
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