Passerelle du Palais de Justice, Footbridge at Saône River in Lyon, France.
Passerelle du Palais de Justice is a 136 meter footbridge spanning the Saône River in Lyon, defined by a distinctive pylon positioned near the left bank. The structure connects the 2nd and 5th arrondissements and relies on steel cables anchored to this prominent tower.
Built in 1983, this footbridge represents a modern design vision that reconnected the two sides of the Saône with contemporary engineering. The project was part of Lyon's broader effort to develop its riverside zones in the late 20th century.
The footbridge takes its name from the courthouse on the nearby bank, linking the judicial quarter to the broader city life. Locals recognize this naming choice as a reminder of the site's role in the town's institutional landscape.
The footbridge connects both banks directly, offering pedestrians a straightforward path between the two districts without deviation. Access is easy and the crossing is short enough to complete in a few minutes, making it a practical route for daily movement.
A sculpture titled 'The Weight of Oneself' by Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset was installed at the base of the pylon in 2013. This artwork merges engineering with artistic expression, transforming the crossing into something beyond a simple functional bridge.
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