10 Most Picture-Perfect Bridges in France to Visit

France is known for its stunning architecture, including its many beautiful bridges.

If you’re looking for a perfect Instagram photo op while in France, be sure to check out these ten amazing bridges! From medieval stone bridges to Art Deco masterpieces, there’s something for everyone.

So pack your camera and get ready to snap some amazing photos!

TLDR

• Highest bridge in France – Viaduc de Millau (Millau Viaduct)
• Most famous bridge in France – Pont Alexandre III
• Oldest bridge in France – Pont d’Ambroix
• Longest bridge in France – Viaduc de Millau (Millau Viaduct)
• Most beautiful bridge in France – Pont Alexandre III
• Famous bridge in France with locks – Pont des Arts

10 Stunning Bridges of France to Visit

Pont Neuf

One of the most well-known bridges in Paris, Pont Neuf was the first bridge in Paris and is also the oldest standing bridge in the city. Constructed between 1578 and 1607 and designed to replace the dilapidated bridges that had come before it, this “new bridge” spans the River Seine and separates the Left bank and the Right bank of the city.

What makes Pont Neuf so unique is its size – at 50 meters wide, it was much wider than most other bridges at the time, which allowed for shops and homes to be built on it. Today, Pont Neuf is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering gorgeous views of the river and some of Paris’ most iconic monuments.

Pont Alexandre III

This bridge, located in Paris’ 8th arrondissement, is one of the most decorative and opulent bridges in the city. Built between 1896 and 1900 for the World’s Fair, Pont Alexandre III is covered in gilded sculptures and art nouveau lamps. It’s also one of the only bridges in Paris that isn’t lined with love locks (more on that later!).

While it doesn’t offer the best views of the city, Pont Alexandre III is definitely worth a visit for its over-the-top design. Not only is Pont Alexandre my personal favorite when it comes to the many bridges of Paris, but it’s also been voted as the most beautiful bridge in the world by numerous publications.

Pont d’Ambroix

Pont d’Ambroix is a stone bridge located in the town of Gallargues-le-Montueux in the southern France department of Hérault. Built in the 1st century BC Roman era, Pont d’Ambroix is one of the oldest surviving bridges in France. In its peak, the bridge would have been used to cross the Vidourle river, which locals used for irrigation purposes.

Today, only one of the bridge’s original eleven pillars remains standing in the middle of the river. While it’s not as well-known as some of the other bridges on this list, Pont d’Ambroix is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. It’s a popular spot for tourists and photographers, who come to admire the well-preserved Roman architecture of this historic monument.

Pont d’Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet)

This medieval bridge spans the Rhône river in Avignon, southern France. It was built in the 12th century and was originally named Pont Saint-Bénézet after the man who started its construction, Saint Bénézet. The bridge is best known for the nursery rhyme “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”, which is about people dancing in a circle on the bridge.

Today, Pont d’Avignon is a popular tourist spot – although only four of the original 22 arches remain, it’s still an impressive sight. In 1995, the surviving arches of this iconic bridge were classified as a World Heritage Site and it continues to be one of the most visited bridges in France.

Pont des Arts

One of the most popular bridges in Paris, Pont des Arts is often covered in love locks left by couples from all over the world – hence its nickname: “The Love Lock Bridge”. While this tradition started only a few years ago, there are now so many locks that the weight of them is causing the bridge to sag. In fact, the city has started to take measures to remove the locks in an effort to preserve the bridge.

And as of 2022, all the locks have been removed from the bridge and you can no longer add locks to its railings. Despite the locks now being gone from this bridge, Pont des Arts is still a popular spot for tourists and photographers. It offers gorgeous views of the Louvre Museum and the River Seine, making it the perfect place to snap a few photos during your trip to Paris.

Pont du Gard

This Roman aqueduct bridge is located in the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard in the French department of Occitanie, near Nîmes. It was built in the 1st century AD to carry water over 50km across the Gardon river to the Roman colony of Nemausus. Today, Pont du Gard remains the best-preserved Roman bridge in the world and is one of the most-visited ancient monuments in France.

In fact, Pont du Gard is still used today – although not for its original purpose of carrying water – and is a popular spot for tourists and hikers. You can even go for a swim in the river below the bridge! When it comes to the bridges of France, Pont du Gard is definitely one of the most impressive.

Pont Valentré

This 14th-century stone-fortified arch bridge is located in the town of Cahors in southwestern France. It spans the Lot river and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region. Pont Valentré is best known for its six massive towers, which were used as a prison during the Hundred Years’ War.

Today, only two of the original six towers remain standing – the other four were destroyed during the French Revolution. Pont Valentré is a popular tourist spot and is one of the most-visited bridges in France. It’s also a popular spot for photographers, who come to admire its beautiful medieval architecture.

Pont Viaduc de Garabit

This giant railway arch bridge spans the valley of the River Truyère in the mountainous Massif Central region of France. It was built in 1884 by Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower, and was initially created for the Paris-Lyon-Marseille railway line. Today, Pont Viaduc de Garabit is no longer used for rail traffic but it remains an impressive feat of engineering.

It’s also a popular spot for tourists and hikers, who come to admire its beautiful setting and enjoy the spectacular views. Spanning over 540 feet long and standing at around 310 feet tall, Pont Viaduc de Garabit is best known for its iconic arches, which make it an impressive sight. The bridge is also popular with tourists and photographers, who come to admire its beautiful setting.

Pont d’Iéna

This bridge spans the River Seine in Paris and connects the Champ de Mars with the Trocadéro. Construction of the bridge began between 1806 and 1808 by Napoleon Bonaparte to replace an earlier bridge that had been destroyed during the French Revolution. Pont d’Iéna is best known for its massive arches, which are a signature feature of the bridge.

It’s also a popular spot for tourists and photographers, who come to admire its beautiful setting and enjoy the stunning views. At over 100 feet long, Pont d’Iéna is nowhere near one of the longest bridges in Paris, but it is just as fascinating. It’s also one of the most popular bridges in the city, thanks to its iconic arches and stunning views.

Pont Viaduc de Millau (Millau Viaduct)

This bridge, located in the town of Millau in southern France, is the tallest bridge in the world! At a total length of over 8,000 feet and standing at a whopping 1,125 feet (343 meters) tall, it’s nearly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. The bridge spans the valley of the River Tarn and was built between 2001 and 2004. This cable-stayed bridge was created as an autoroute access bridge to relieve traffic congestion in the region.

Today, it’s a popular spot for tourists and photographers, who come to admire its impressive size and enjoy the stunning views. The bridge is also popular with base jumpers, who come to leap off the high point of the bridge – an adrenaline-pumping activity that is not for the faint of heart! Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just want to check out this bridge’s massive infrastructure, The Millau Viaduct should definitely be on your list of the bridges of France to visit. It’s one of the most impressive bridges in France – and in the world!

Pont de Bir-Hakeim

Another famous Parisian bridge, Pont de Bir-Hakeim spans the River Seine and connects the 15th and 16th arrondissements of the city. It was built between 1903 and 1905 and is best known for its two levels, which are connected by a series of ramps. Pont de Bir-Hakeim is one of the most popular tourist attractions for visitors to Paris and photographers, who come to admire its beautiful setting and enjoy the stunning views.

You’ll even often see couples here in full wedding attire taking photos against the picturesque backdrop. If you’re looking for a romantic spot in Paris, this is definitely it! The bridge is also popular with joggers and cyclists, who use it as a link between the two arrondissements.

A guide to the many bridges of France

So there you have it – a list of X must-see bridges in France. From the famous Pont d’Avignon to the Roman Pont du Gard, these bridges are sure to impress. So whether you’re a photographer looking for the perfect photo spot or a history buff wanting to learn more about France’s past, be sure to add these bridges to your list!

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for reading my guide to the most famous bridges in France! I am so honored to have the opportunity to live in this beautiful country and discover all the beauty its architecture has to offer.

If you’re planning a trip to France any time soon, be sure to check out my related blog posts about France to help guide you along your journey!

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