Description of the attraction
One of the most beautiful Parisian views opens from the pedestrian bridge of the Arts. A tourist who loves walking should definitely come here, stand in the middle of the bridge and look around. His gaze will see a breathtaking picture: on one side the Louvre, on the other - the dome of the French Institute, the ever-present Eiffel Tower peeps out from behind the Museum d'Orsay, the spiers of the Isle of Cite, other bridges, embankments with second-hand booksellers' tents are clearly visible. And, of course, the Seine itself with its barges and tourist boats.
The Bridge of Arts itself looks very romantic, despite its apparent simplicity. Metal arches stand on six reinforced concrete pillars lined with stone. The supports are brutal, the arches are delicate and seem weightless. The wooden sidewalk and benches in the middle give the rather long (155 meters) bridge an unusually cozy look.
The bridge, built by order of Napoleon in 1801-1804, got its name from the Louvre, which at the beginning of the 19th century was called the Palace of Arts. It was the first metal bridge in Paris, and it looked even more romantic then than it does now - like a hanging garden with bushes, flowers and benches. On the day of the opening of the crossing, 64,000 Parisians rushed here, despite the fact that at the beginning the bridge was paid - the passage on it cost one sous.
At the end of the 19th century, the bridge was rebuilt and widened. During the world wars, it was badly damaged by bombing, and in peacetime - from collisions of barges with supports. In 1981-1984, the bridge was rebuilt under the guidance of the architect Louis Arretch, who based his work on the original plans.
Now artists, photographers work on the bridge, sometimes exhibitions are held. In the summer, following an amazing tradition, people arrange picnics on the Pont des Arts. There are not enough benches for everyone, tablecloths are spread right on the wooden sidewalk. These picnics are usually held before sunset to enjoy the surrounding views in the soft evening light.
In recent years, another idea, new for Paris, has arisen - to hang “lovers' castles” on bridges, including the Pont des Arts. The City Hall is trying to fight this tradition, which disfigures the world famous architectural monuments.
