Seine river cruises

Summary of the most beautiful bridges in Paris

19 July 2025 - par Antoine Broin

Most Beautiful Bridges in Paris: Historic Guide & Unforgettable Seine Cruises

The most beautiful bridges in Paris tell the city’s story across centuries, linking both banks with a perfect blend of function and elegance. From the splendour of Pont Alexandre III to the historic arches of Pont Neuf, these engineering works are more than crossings—they are witnesses to Paris’s evolution. To admire them from a unique angle, nothing beats a Seine River cruise.

Summary of the most beautiful bridges in Paris

Bridge Period Style Notable view Book
Pont Alexandre III 1900 Beaux-Arts Les Invalides, Grand Palais Cruise under the bridge
Pont des Arts 1804 / 1984 Metal footbridge Institut de France, Île de la Cité Sightseeing cruise
Pont Neuf 1607 Renaissance stone Place Dauphine, Samaritaine See offers
Pont de Bir-Hakeim 1905 Two-level structure Eiffel Tower view Dinner cruise
Pont de la Concorde 1791 Neoclassical Place de la Concorde, National Assembly Day cruise
Pont d’Iéna 1814 Stone Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro Book

Tip: click a bridge in the table to jump straight to its section.

Pont Alexandre III

Inaugurated for the 1900 World’s Fair, Pont Alexandre III links the Grand Palais to Les Invalides. A Beaux-Arts masterpiece, it stands out with its low single-span steel arch, four 17-metre pylons topped with gilded statues, and art nouveau candelabras.

Pont Alexandre III – one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, view toward Les Invalides

  • Length: 107 m
  • Equestrian statues symbolising Arts, Sciences, Commerce, Industry
  • Gilded bronze ornamentation
Seine cruise under Paris bridges including Pont Alexandre III

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Admire the most beautiful bridges in Paris from the Seine, with commentary and panoramic views.

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Pont des Arts

The first metal footbridge in Paris (1804), Pont des Arts links the Louvre to the Institut de France. It offers an open view towards the Île de la Cité and is beloved by photographers.

Pont des Arts – one of the best Paris bridges, view to the Institut de France

Farewell to love locks
In 2015, the “love locks” were removed to preserve the bridge’s structure and aesthetics.

Pont Neuf

The oldest bridge in Paris (1607), Pont Neuf connects the Right and Left Banks via the Île de la Cité. It was the first Parisian stone bridge without houses and with pavements for pedestrians.

Pont Neuf – historic Paris bridge over the Seine

Historic note
Commissioned by Henry III and completed by Henry IV, Pont Neuf symbolised modernity in its day.

Want to see these bridges from the water?
Treat yourself to a Seine cruise and glide under Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts and Pont Alexandre III for a unique panorama.

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Pont de Bir-Hakeim

Built between 1903 and 1905, Pont de Bir-Hakeim links the 15th and 16th arrondissements. Its lower pedestrian level frames one of the best Eiffel Tower viewpoints.

Pont de Bir-Hakeim – iconic Eiffel Tower bridge view

Pont de la Concorde

Constructed between 1787 and 1791 using stones from the Bastille, Pont de la Concorde connects Place de la Concorde to the National Assembly.

Pont de la Concorde – Paris bridge near the National Assembly

Pont d’Iéna

Ordered by Napoleon I and inaugurated in 1814, Pont d’Iéna links the Eiffel Tower to the Trocadéro.

FAQ – Most beautiful bridges in Paris

Which is the most beautiful bridge in Paris?

Pont Alexandre III is often considered the finest for its Beaux-Arts architecture and gilded statues.

What is the oldest bridge in Paris?

Pont Neuf, inaugurated in 1607, is the oldest still in use.

How can I see the most beautiful bridges in Paris?

The best option is a Seine River cruise passing under the main iconic bridges.