Le Pont-Neuf
Métro: Pont-Neuf |
Despite its name, the
Pont Neuf (New Bridge) is the oldest standing bridge in Paris. The first
stone was laid by Henri III, and allowed (obviously!) traffic to cross
from one bank to the other. It is in two parts, separated by solid ground
and the equestrian statue of Henri IV. The 233 meter long bridge was
opened in 1607 by Henri IV and was the only bridge at the time not blocked
by houses. In 1608 Henri IV built a hydraulic water pump to supply the Louvre with water, which got the name Samaritaine, now the name of a famous nearby department store. |
