In spite of its name, the Pont Neuf (“New Bridge”) is Paris’ oldest bridge. It was built at the end of the 16th century and at the beginning of the 17th, under the reigns of Henri III and Henri IV.
It takes its name from its design that was very new at the time. It was actually one of the first bridges to be equipped with sidewalks protecting people from the mud and the horses and to be devoid of houses because the king wanted to enjoy a view on the Louvre, which he was extending and proud of.
As soon as it was completed, the bridge became a major place of movement, business and leisure. This crowd benefited small businesses, charlatans and purse-cutters alike.
From 1605 to 1608, a lifting hydraulic pump was built there to provide water for the Louvre and Tuileries palaces. It was demolished in 1813 when the Ourcq canal work made it outdated.
Nevertheless, it’s still one of Paris’ iconic bridges nowadays.
