Pont Neuf (New Bridge), Toulouse (must see)
The New Bridge in Toulouse, otherwise known as the Big or Stone Bridge, is a historically significant structure dating back over 400 years. Its construction began in 1544 and concluded in 1632, spanning almost a century of work marked by challenges such as the Garonne River's violent floods and unstable subsoil. The project was initiated by King Francis I of France, who recognized the strategic threat from the Spanish King Charles V during that period. He considered it vital to have an overpass for quickly moving defending armies across the Garonne in any weather or season.
The New Bridge replaced the Daurade Bridge which provided a link between the pilgrim hospital of Saint Mary of the Daurade and the Benedictine monastery across the river in the Middle Ages. In 1541, King Francis declared a tax levy to finance the construction, which came to fruition in 1561 as a sturdy, invincible structure.
Renowned for its mix of Renaissance and early 17th-century styles, the bridge was designed to be innovative compared to its predecessors. It was free from the common medieval practice of housing stores on it and thus provided clear passage. The design combined ancient Roman and more modern 鈥� Renaissance 鈥� influences, featuring among other elements the extensive use of the so-called "basket-handle" arches which are wider than height, allowing for fewer piles.
The bridge's durability and quality of construction were proven when it remained standing after the devastating flood of 1875, which destroyed all the other bridges in town and numerous houses. Notably, the bridge is not symmetrical due to the differing elevations of the river banks, which adds a great deal of uniqueness to its design.
The bridge has crests before each pier to part flows, and eye-like round openings to allow water to pass through it when the arches are submerged. Spanning 220 meters with seven arches, the biggest of which measures 56 meters, the New Bridge of Toulouse is a testament to the architectural prowess of its era.
The New Bridge replaced the Daurade Bridge which provided a link between the pilgrim hospital of Saint Mary of the Daurade and the Benedictine monastery across the river in the Middle Ages. In 1541, King Francis declared a tax levy to finance the construction, which came to fruition in 1561 as a sturdy, invincible structure.
Renowned for its mix of Renaissance and early 17th-century styles, the bridge was designed to be innovative compared to its predecessors. It was free from the common medieval practice of housing stores on it and thus provided clear passage. The design combined ancient Roman and more modern 鈥� Renaissance 鈥� influences, featuring among other elements the extensive use of the so-called "basket-handle" arches which are wider than height, allowing for fewer piles.
The bridge's durability and quality of construction were proven when it remained standing after the devastating flood of 1875, which destroyed all the other bridges in town and numerous houses. Notably, the bridge is not symmetrical due to the differing elevations of the river banks, which adds a great deal of uniqueness to its design.
The bridge has crests before each pier to part flows, and eye-like round openings to allow water to pass through it when the arches are submerged. Spanning 220 meters with seven arches, the biggest of which measures 56 meters, the New Bridge of Toulouse is a testament to the architectural prowess of its era.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Toulouse. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: 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 Neuf (New Bridge) on Map
Sight Name: Pont Neuf (New Bridge)
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Toulouse, France
Create Your Own Walk in Toulouse
Creating your own self-guided walk in Toulouse 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.
Toulouse Introduction Walking Tour
Known affectionately as "The Pink City" (La Ville Rose) due to the terracotta bricks used in many of its buildings, the capital of the Occitania region of France 鈥� Toulouse 鈥� offers a blend of historical intrigue and modern dynamism. Originally known as Tolosa (the meaning of the name is unknown), it was established as a military outpost by the Romans in the 2nd century BC.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Churches Tour
Toulouse's historical center is full of architectural marvels, many of which are churches. The variety of basilicas, cathedrals, and cloisters built in the city throughout the 11th-19th centuries is complemented by the richness of styles serving as a testament to both faith and craftsmanship.
The 12th-century Basilica of Saint Sernin is a masterpiece of Romanesque design. It's known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The 12th-century Basilica of Saint Sernin is a masterpiece of Romanesque design. It's known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Architectural Jewels of Toulouse
It doesn't take an architectural expert to appreciate the beauty of Toulouse's historic buildings. Walking the city's streets one can't help admiring the galore of ancient architecture which has earned Toulouse, since as early as the 16th century, the title of "the most beautiful city in France".
Once a powerful provincial capital, Toulouse utilized its prosperity,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Once a powerful provincial capital, Toulouse utilized its prosperity,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Toulouse Markets and Shopping Streets
Like many other cities in France and Southern France in particular, Toulouse boasts a delightful array of shopping areas. At Galeries Lafayette, a renowned department store, you can find exclusive French items for sale - no problem; however, to discover some truly great bargains 鈥� from organic vegetables to antiques, 鈥� a visit to Toulouse's street markets is a must.
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Pub Crawl of Toulouse
There are some really great little pubs in Toulouse. This guide helps you find a few of the local favourites, one pint after the other. Discover good craic at Mulligans and The Killarney; be amazed at what's on tap at Bar l'Ancienne Belgique and Bar La Tireuse; and put the English back in...