Pont des Arts (Bridge of Arts), Paris

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Pont des Arts (Bridge of Arts), Paris

Pont des Arts (Bridge of Arts), Paris

Paris's very first iron bridge, the Pont des Arts (or Passerelle des Arts) crosses the River Seine, linking the Institut de France and the central square of the Palais du Louvre. The bridge has sometimes served as a place for art exhibitions and is today a popular open-air studio for painters, artists and photographers who are drawn to its views. To the right, you are overwhelmed with the beautiful Île de la Cité and Pont-Neuf, while to the left, you can see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, all against the backdrop of the city's stunning architecture and the River Seine.

In the summertime, the Pont des Arts is frequently utilized for picnics. In recent times, numerous couples visiting as tourists have started attaching padlocks, known as "love locks", to the railings or grates on the side of the bridge, with their names inscribed or engraved on them, then tossing the key into the Seine below, as a romantic gesture. This practice is believed to symbolize a couple's unwavering love. There was a period when thousands of padlocks were attached to the bridge's side.

In 2015, most of the locks were removed from the bridge due to concerns about permanent damage caused by their accumulated weight, which reached 45 tons from over a million locks. However, the romantic atmosphere remains, and visitors are now encouraged to take "love selfies" on the bridge. The Pont des Arts is also an excellent location to admire the beautiful sunset views during summer.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Pont des Arts (Bridge of Arts) on Map

Sight Name: Pont des Arts (Bridge of Arts)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Paris, France

Create Your Own Walk in Paris

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Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Paris Introduction Walking Tour II

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As you continue your acquaintance with Paris driven by its timeless allure, the city's heart reveals itself with an array of places capturing its profound history and artistic legacy. The evolution of Paris is visible on the banks of the river Seine, the linking thread winding its way through the capital as if keeping a watchful eye on its architectural marvels.

The second part of our...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Latin Quarter Walking Tour

Latin Quarter Walking Tour

The Latin Quarter of Paris, nestled on the Left Bank of the Seine, is a district steeped in academic history and artistic fervor, resonating with the echoes of scholarly discourse and bohemian lifestyle. This venerable area derives its name from the early use of Latin as the lingua franca in the universities, a tradition spearheaded by the Sorbonne University. This institution has shaped...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour

St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour

This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Prés, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Montmartre Walking Tour

Montmartre Walking Tour

Originally known as "Mons Martis" or the "Mount of Mars," Montmartre is a renowned Parisian neighborhood, celebrated for its historical and cultural significance. This picturesque district is a canvas of landmarks, each narrating a unique story.

Apart from its iconic sites, the area's charm lies in the atmosphere that embodies the Parisian spirit. Historically,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Eiffel Tower Walking Tour

Eiffel Tower Walking Tour

The 7th administrative district of Paris, a beacon of affluence and prestige, hosts an elite residential community and numerous national institutions of France, government offices, and diplomatic missions. This historical neighborhood is famed for its quintessentially Parisian architecture, vibrant cafés, restaurants, and gourmet shops that attract food enthusiasts from around the world.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Champs-Elysees Walking Tour

Champs-Elysees Walking Tour

On this self-guided walk you will witness the grandeur of the 8th arrondissement of the French capital – one of its busiest and chic neighborhoods, thanks to the presence of Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Place de la Concorde.

Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-Élysées – a lovely...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles

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