Pont de Tolbiac

Pont de Tolbiac is a stone bridge spanning the Seine and joining the 12th and 13th arrondissements of Paris. The structure stretches about 168 meters and relies on five elliptical arches to support its entire length.

Construction took place between 1879 and 1882 after city officials rejected an earlier proposal from Gustave Eiffel. Architects H.P. Bernard and J.D.A. Perouse developed the design that was ultimately built.

The bridge serves as a simple crossing point between two evolving neighborhoods rather than a place that draws visitors for its own sake. It blends quietly into the daily life of locals who cross it without much ceremony or special regard.

The bridge is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle for anyone needing to cross between both riverbanks. The Cour Saint-Emilion metro station sits nearby for those preferring public transportation.

This structure represents one of the final major bridges in Paris built using traditional stone masonry methods before the city moved toward other construction techniques. Its foundations employed advanced cement-based engineering that was notable for the late 1800s.

Location: 12th arrondissement of Paris

Location: 13th arrondissement of Paris

Location: Quartier de Bercy

Location: Quartier de la Gare

Official opening: 1882

Length: 168 m

Part of: road network of Paris

Shares border with: quai François-Mauriac, quai Panhard-et-Levassor, quai de Bercy, rue Joseph-Kessel, rue Neuve-Tolbiac

GPS coordinates: 48.83333,2.38194

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:05