BRIDGESPOTTING

The Pont Neuf, which crosses the tip of the Ile de la Citè in Paris, was constructed in 1607 as part of a massive re-construction of the entire western end of the Ile de la Citè and some adjacent smaller islands into a city square, called Le Square du Vert Galant. Vert Gallant was the nickname of Henri IV, who was the King of France at the time, and was perhaps best known for his massive rebuilding of the center of Paris during the Renaissance.

The bridges of the Pont Neuf are constructed of light-gray stone blocks forming stone arches. The segment of the bridge leading to the Left Bank is about 400 feet long and consists of five stone arches. The highest arch is in the center, and the flanking arches are smaller. The segment leading to the Right Bank is a little longer at about 600 feet, crossing on seven arches. The stone parapets are not straight but have turret-shaped curve-outs at regular intervals, each with curved stone benches in them. Each of the turrets is also flanked by two decorative iron lampposts.

The appealing and somewhat amusing feature of the Pont Neuf, other than its age and history, is its decoration. The outer facing of the bridge, as well as the stone walls of the square, are lined with mascarons, which are carved stone grotesque faces. More than 300 of them, each about two feet high, are carved into the bases of the buttresses. Each face is unique and detailed, many with comical grimaces, masks, or other adornments. To observe the mascarons up close and from the best angle, you will have to take the stairway from the quay on either side of the river, descend to river level, and approach the bridge from below.

I have offered a detailed description of the Pont Neuf in Chapter 2 of my book, Bridgespotting: A Guide to Bridges that Connect People, Places, and Times. The book also includes a description of a general walking tour of the bridges of Paris in Chapter 9.