Pont Royal, Stone arch bridge between 1st and 7th arrondissements, Paris, France.
Pont Royal is a stone arch bridge spanning the Seine with five arches built from large stone blocks. It connects the Louvre area to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter and measures 110 meters long and 17 meters wide.
King Louis XIV ordered the construction of this bridge between 1685 and 1689 to replace an earlier wooden structure that needed frequent repairs. The new stone structure was intended to provide a lasting crossing over the Seine.
The name reflects its original purpose as a royal route linking the monarchy's seat with the developing districts across the river. Today it remains a working passage that locals and visitors use equally to cross between two distinct parts of the city.
The bridge is open to pedestrians and vehicles, providing a straightforward connection between two major Paris districts. Traffic can be heavy near the Louvre Museum area, but crossing is always possible and takes just a few minutes.
The bridge carries markings on both sides showing water levels from major Seine floods throughout Paris history. These quiet markers remind visitors of natural disasters that have shaped the city.
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