Pont Neuf

Like Venice, Paris is covered in bridges and no two are alike. The oldest of them all (despite the name) is Pont Neuf which was built between 1587 and 1607.

Until then, the bridges linking the city were made of wood and were not too stable. This bridge, unlike the rest, was made of stone and had walkways on the side for pedestrians to cross. Another differentiating detail is the presence of small balconies located above the arches from which you can sit and watch the Seine. Traders once used these corners to hawk their goods and a great many artists have sat there to paint the beautiful views of the Seine and its riverbanks.

Despite the name, this is the oldest bridge in Paris. Construction began in 1578 and was led by Baptiste du Cerceau and Pierre des Iles. It was the first bridge made of stone (the others were wooden) and connected the Île de la Cité with the rest of the city. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1889 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Over the years, it has been a source of inspiration for artists like Renoir, Victor Hugo and Kenzo, the latter of whom covered the bridge entirely with flowers in 1994.