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Pont Royal in Paris: What to See & Do

By Paris Top Ten August 18, 2018 (Updated July 4, 2026)

August 18, 2018 by Paris Top Ten

The Pont Royal is a bridge in Paris that crosses the Seine River. It is located between the Musée du Louvre and the Institut de France. King Louis XIV built the Pont Royal in 1685, making it one of the oldest bridges in Paris.

Imagine you are in Paris for a few days and would like to know more about the Pont Royal. Here are four reasons why you might want to learn more about this bridge:

  • The Pont Royal is a beautiful bridge that is a must-see for anyone visiting Paris.
  • It has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century.
  • The bridge provides stunning views of the River Seine and Paris.
  • There are many things to do and see nearby, such as the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.

If you want to learn more about the Pont Royal, read on for a brief history and overview of what to see and do there.

Table of Contents

  • What is the Pont Royal?
  • History of the Pont Royal
  • How to get to the Pont Royal
  • What to do at the Pont Royal
  • FAQ
  • What is the Pont Royal?
  • Find Things to Do in Paris
  • Find Accommodation

What is the Pont Royal?

Panorama view of Pont Royal in Paris

The Pont Royal is a bridge that spans the River Seine in Paris, France. It was built from 1685 to 1689 by Jules Hardouin Mansart and Jacques Gabriel at the order of King Louis XIV and was originally known as the “Pont de la Révolution.”

The Pont Royal is located in the center of Paris, between the Tuileries Garden and the Musée d’Orsay. Due to its beautiful architecture and location, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris. The bridge has three arches adorned with statues of lions and cherubs.

See Related: Does it Snow in Paris, France?

History of the Pont Royal

The Pont Royal was built in the 17th century during the reign of King Louis XIV. At that time, Paris was undergoing great growth and development. The Pont Royal was part of the king’s plan to improve the city’s infrastructure.

The bridge was originally named the “Pont de la Révolution.” However, in 1792, it was renamed the Pont Royal after the French Revolution.

Pont Royal is the third oldest bridge in Paris, after Pont Neuf and Pont Marie. Listed among Historical Monuments, it was built between 1685 and 1689 and financed entirely by Louis XIV. Pont Royal was also called Pont National and Pont des Tuileries.

Pont Royal is a stone bridge with seven arches decorated with stone vases. It is named after the Sun King, who financed its construction. Pont Royal is a popular tourist destination for its historic value and for its views of the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Garden.

How to get to the Pont Royal

Sunset view at Pont Royal in Paris

The Pont Royal is located in the center of Paris, between the Tuileries Garden and the Musée d’Orsay. It is easily accessible by public transportation.

  • By Metro: The closest metro station to the Pont Royal is the Tuileries stop on line 1.
  • By Bus: The closest bus stop to the Pont Royal is at the Louvre Museum, on lines 21, 24, and 27.

What to do at the Pont Royal

A bike in front of the Louvre pyramid in Paris, France
Narin Chauhan / Pexels

There are many things to see and do near the Pont Royal. Here are some of the most popular attractions:

The Louvre Museum: The Louvre is one of the world’s largest and most famous museums. It is home to some of the most famous works of art, such as the Mona Lisa.

Notre Dame Cathedral: Notre Dame is a Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 12th century. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower is a wrought-iron tower built in 1889. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

If you are interested in learning more about the Pont Royal or any of the other attractions mentioned above, be sure to visit the website.

FAQ

What is the Pont Royal?

The Pont Royal is a bridge that spans the River Seine in Paris, France. It is located between the Louvre Museum and the Orsay Museum.

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Filed Under: Landmarks

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