[Symbol of Historical monuments & heritage sites - Monument historique]
[Silhouette of the bridge]
Pont Neuf

Pont Neuf - the new bridge, despite its name, is the oldest bridge in Paris. Actually the old bridge is the Notre Dame bridge Click for sign's details which was established many years before it, but was destroyed many times, and in contrast Pont Neuf whose construction was completed in 1607 remained unchanged.
The bridge connects the right bank with the left bank of the Seine, passing through the island of Île de la Cité (one of the two islands in the center of the Seine). (In the silhouette of the bridge shown on the sign you can see the part without the arches passing over the island itself).
The stone bridge is 238 meters long and 20 meters wide.
Its name (the new bridge) was given to distinguish it from older bridges that had houses on them.
On the arches of the bridge there are reliefs of humorous figures.
The bridge is designated as a historical heritage site of France

The bridge was photographed that day (the part between the right bank and Île de la Cité appears in the photos) Click for a larger image Click for a larger image

The reliefs of the figures on the arches of the bridge appear in the following picture Click for a larger image

On one of the pillars of the bridge is a ruler for measuring the height of the water Click for a larger image

The lampposts on the bridge were designed by Victor Baltard, bearing the figure of Neptune (others have a dolphin), as can be seen in photos taken a few months later Click for a larger image Click for a larger image
On the base of the lamppost, a metal plate was placed in 1854. The plates were connected to gas-powered lanterns, and concealed a tap that could be used to cut off the gas flow in an emergency or for maintenance work Click for a larger image

The bridge also appears in the "History of Paris" series of signs where you can find more details Click for sign's details