Since the 17th century, a number of bridges have occupied this particular spot: wooden and iron footbridges alike. The bridges repeatedly collapsed, sometimes giving way to the floodwaters of the Seine, sometimes brought down by navigational errors made by pilots fighting the strong currents and turbulence that swirl between the two islands.

Today’s version is a footbridge built of reinforced concrete. While its current design no longer presents obstacles to river navigators, critics bemoan its near total lack of any ornamentation. Nonetheless, it often serves as a fine backdrop for singers and other street performers.