The Pont des Artsis known around the world for the many "love locks" that lovers come to attach to its railings (despite the city council's ban). The history of this legendary Parisian bridge spans more than two centuries.
Originally, the Pont des Arts (which takes its name from the Louvre Palace, called the Palais des Arts during the Second Empire!) was a pedestrian bridge, built between 1801 and 1804. It was the first metal bridge in the capital. Designed by engineers Louis-Alexandre de Cessart and Jacques Vincent de Lacroix Dillon, this nine-arch cast iron footbridge resembled a hanging garden, with numerous shrubs and flowers.
After the bombings during World War I and World War II, the Pont des Arts was weakened and finally collapsed in 1979 when a barge collided with one of its pillars. Fortunately, the bridge had been closed to traffic two years earlier! The Pont des Arts was then permanently dismantled in 1980, before being rebuilt between 1981 and 1984 according to the original plans (except for the number of arches, which was reduced to seven).
For the record, it was on this footbridge that the writer Vercors entrusted copies of Editions de Minuit to the leader of the Resistance movement, who was responsible for delivering them to General de Gaulle. The legendary Pont des Arts has been a source of inspiration for many painters, writers, and singers.
Its aura still shines today in every corner of the globe, so don't deny yourself the pleasure of visiting it. In summer, painters, bohemian musicians, families, and groups of friends enjoy gathering there for picnics.
