The Seine bridges of Paris at a glance
The city counts 37 bridges over the Seine inside Paris, spread over 13 km of river. That number covers the Seine only. It does not include the many bridges over roads, canals and railways.
Each bridge has its own look. Some are stone arches from the 16th century, others are iron and gilded bronze from the world fair of 1900, and a few are footbridges made only for people on foot. You can cross most of them in a minute or two, so a walk along the river can take in several in one go.
This site is an independent guide. It is not run by the city of Paris, a boat operator or any museum. Dates below are historic facts, and anything that can change, such as repair work, is marked with its date.
Four bridges compared
The ones most visitors ask about, with the facts that matter for a visit.
| Bridge | Date | Type | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pont Neuf | Foundation stone 31 May 1578, finished 1606 or 1607 | Stone road bridge | The oldest bridge in Paris, despite the name |
| Pont Alexandre III | Foundation stone 7 October 1896, opened 14 April 1900 | Road bridge | Built for the world fair of 1900 |
| Pont des Arts | – | Footbridge | Links the Louvre and the Institut de France |
| Passerelle Debilly | 1900 | Footbridge | Meant to be temporary, listed since 1966 |
The Pont Neuf was begun in 1578 and was ready in 1606 or 1607, depending on whether you count the end of the works or the opening. Either way it is the oldest of the 37.
Seine boat trips under the bridges
Many of the bridges look best from the water. Compare trips by length, time of day and price.
What to know about each bridge
Short notes for planning a walk.
Pont Neuf
The name means new bridge, but it is the oldest one in the city. It joins both banks of the river with the tip of the Île de la Cité. Below it, at the Square du Vert-Galant, one boat operator starts its one-hour trips. It is an easy bridge to cross on foot and a good place to start a walk along the water.
Pont Alexandre III
The bridge opened on 14 April 1900 for the world fair. Its foundation stone was laid on 7 October 1896 by Nicholas II and Félix Faure. It connects the axis of the Champs-Élysées and the Grand Palais and Petit Palais with the Invalides. Its lamps and gilded figures are best seen up close, so walk across rather than only view it from the river.
Pont des Arts
This footbridge runs between the Louvre and the Institut de France. In 2015 the city replaced the railings that carried the love padlocks with glass panels, because the padlocks added about 45 tonnes of weight. Do not attach new padlocks. The deck was renewed in 2023, and further work on the wooden deck took place in phases from May 2026 with access kept open. If you plan to cross, check the current situation on site.
Passerelle Debilly
This footbridge dates from the 1900 world fair. It was first planned as a temporary structure, but it stayed and has been listed as a monument since 1966.
Bridges as landmarks along the river
Many places in this guide are described by the bridge next to them.
Bridges make good meeting points. The Bateaux-Mouches boats leave from the Port de la Conférence at the Pont de l'Alma. The bouquinistes' green boxes run from the Pont Marie to the Pont des Arts on the right bank and from the Pont Sully to the Pont Royal on the left. The Bras Marie bathing site lies between the Pont Louis-Philippe and the Pont Marie. The Bercy site is under the Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir.
Next to the Louvre, the Pont des Arts and the Pont Royal give you a view of the museum from the river. The Louvre has its own guide with tickets and opening hours.
If the water rises, the captain of a Bateaux-Mouches boat can change the route to suit the height of the river, and Bateaux Parisiens mentions rare restrictions ordered by the authorities. Follow the staff's advice.
Plan the rest of your Seine trip
From bridges to boats, banks and museums.
Bridges of Paris: frequently asked questions
How many bridges are there over the Seine in Paris?
The city counts 37 bridges over the Seine inside Paris, along 13 km of river. Bridges over roads, canals and railways are not part of that number.
Which is the oldest bridge in Paris?
The Pont Neuf, even though its name means new bridge. Its foundation stone was laid on 31 May 1578, and it was finished in 1606 or 1607.
Can I still put a love padlock on the Pont des Arts?
No. The city replaced the padlock railings with glass panels in 2015 because of the extra weight of about 45 tonnes. Do not leave padlocks on any bridge.
When was the Pont Alexandre III built?
It opened on 14 April 1900 for the world fair. Work began with the foundation stone in October 1896.
What is the best way to see the bridges?
Walk across the main ones and then see them from the water on a one-hour boat trip. Boat routes can change when the river is high, so ask the crew if you have a specific bridge in mind.