Paris

Pont des Arts

The heart of Paris, one of the most beautiful views of the Île de la Cité, the Seine itself and the great Parisian monuments. Built from 1801 to 1804, it was the first metal bridge in the French capital. Since its inauguration, Parisians and travelers from all over the world have written about it, also making it one of the most romantic according to the population.

The bridge, which was in poor condition, was closed in 1976. Two years later it collapsed partially due to the impact of a barge on one of its pillars. It was rebuilt between 1981 and 1984 with the same shape as the previous one, except that it has two pillars less to facilitate navigation on the river. It was reopened on June 27, 1984, by Jacques Chirac, who was then mayor of Paris.

Used occasionally for art exhibitions, it is also a place that attracts tourists, painters, artists, and photographers through the panoramic views of the Isle de la Cité and the bridges of Paris. It is remembered as a meeting point between La Maga and Oliveira in the novel Rayuela, by Julio Cortázar.
It has also been the bridge of love for the famous tradition of padlocks until it was formally banned in 2015 (see information on locks of love).