France is home to several types of bridges: arch bridges, suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges, viaducts and more. Some are more somber, and others are full of stunning ornaments. Let’s embark on a journey of France’s most beautiful bridges.
15) Pont-Vieux of Albi
Located in Tarn, in the south west of France, the Albi’s Pont-Vieux (Old Bridge) holds a special charm with its red bricks and its medieval architecture.
I think it’s magnificent with its arcade’s shape and with the color the stone brings to the whole thing, we can really feel the rich atmosphere this bridge gives off.
14) Pont des arts (Paris)
The Pont des Arts is a wonder for the eyes. It offers a view over Seine and with the Institute of France on one side and the Louvre on the other side, it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Even if the love padlocks tradition is over, the bridge still contains a romantic aura where people like to meet.
The wood and metal architecture is something unique and specific to this bridge, where we can feel Paris’ soul itself.
13) Briare Canal Bridge
Briare Canal Bridge (Pont-Canal de Briare) is a marvel of engineering, allowing boats to cross the Loire (French river in the north-east) by the side canal next to it.
Its metal structure, supported by heavy pillars, brings respect regarding its technical achievement. Crossing boats above another river, that’s unique!
The columns boarding each entrance of the canal adds to the bridge’s charm, magnifying the nature around it without altering it.
12) Ré Island Bridge
Linking Ré Island to land, the Bridge of Ré (Pont de Ré, is its official name) is quite imposing with its modern and stylish design.
Its position facing the Atlantic Ocean makes it a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint, and when the sun comes down it amplifies its beauty!
11) Pont d’Avignon (Saint-Bénezet Bridge)
On the Pont d’Avignon, we dance, we dance… (That’s a reference to a French song with the same name) Probably one of the most famous bridges in France, the Pont Saint-Bénezet, as it is known, bears witness to a turbulent history, given that only half of it remains!
And yet it is no less magnificent, with its arches crossing the Rhône, and the view it affords of the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes) is splendid.
10) Alma Bridge (Paris)
Crossing the Seine river, Alma Bridge (Pont de l’Alma) in Paris is amazing to look at with its metal structure constructed in the predominant Haussmanian style of the city.
The statues present on each pillar’s foot and the decorative street lights add so much to the building’s charm, and the view you get on the Eiffel Tower, that’s truly awesome!
9) Saint-Michel Bridge (Paris)
When crossing this bridge, you can admire the Seine, Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral from the same spot!
The “N” above each pillar, reminiscent of Napoleon III, adds a special touch to this bridge, making it more noble, if you can call it that.
8) Roquefavour Aqueduct (Bouches-du-Rhône)
Located in the Arc valley and crossing a rocky gorge, the Roquefavour Aqueduct (Aqueduc de Roquefavour) is one of the highest aqueducts in the world.
Its distinctive style and the stone from which it is made make it a building of remarkable beauty, with its gigantic pillars linked by gravity-defying arches.
It’s not hard to say that it’s an imposing sight in the landscape!
7) Stone Bridge (Pont de Pierre, Bordeaux)
Crossing the river Garonne, the Stone Bridge (Pont de Pierre) of Bordeaux offers a magnificent panoramic view on the city.
It’s a real eye-catcher, with its light-coloured stone arches and red stone structure creating a lovely kaleidoscope of colors.
Once night falls and the lights are switched on, it’s even more beautiful!
6) Normandie Bridge
With its harp-shaped architecture, this bridge is so classy!
The structure itself is impressive, with the curvature of the bridge giving the impression that it rises into the sky as you drive over it.
The minimalist aesthetic was used to avoid tainting the landscape, making it even more impressive. A true engineering masterpiece!
5) Valentré Bridge (Cahors)
Built in a medieval Gothic style, this bridge located in Cahors in the Lot department (south-west of France), impresses with its three defensive towers and pointed arches.
It’s one of the few bridges with towers on the structure itself, distinguishing itself further as an already unique building.
4) Gard Bridge (Gard)
A former Roman aqueduct, this bridge in the Gard department is a real eye-catcher, with its large arches crossing the river Gardon. It makes for a magnificent view, even more so at sunset!
The use of local stone means that this bridge blends into the landscape, making it all the more harmonious.
3) Millau Viaduct
With its elegant, modern design, the Millau Viaduct, located in the south of France, blends in perfectly with the landscape and offers added value.
It may be gigantic, but the viaduct seems to float and is unthinkably light.
The pattern created by the cables and pillars is enough to leave you awestruck.
2) Pont Neuf (Paris)
Linking the right side of the Seine with the Île de la Cité, the oldest bridge of Paris (1578) still has plenty to offer!
With its rounded arches, stone railings and mascarons (sculpted heads), the Pont Neuf is a magnificent sight and offers an unforgettable crossing of the Seine.
In fact, it presents an amazing panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral.
1) Pont Alexandre III (Paris)
Adorned with artistic elements such as sculptures, streetlights, and bronze decorations covered in details, the Pont Alexandre III is a beauty!
Crossing the Seine in one sweep, the bridge has a rather flashy but successful Beaux-Arts style, with its many gildings and its green color it contrasts with the blue of the sky and water.
It is one of the many bridges in Paris which offers an amazing view, this time, of the Invalides, the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais.
All of these features make the Pont Alexandre III the most beautiful bridge in France!
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