Pont Lafayette, Metal bridge across Rhône River in Lyon, France

Pont Lafayette is a 218-metre metal bridge over the Rhône with three shallow segmental arches of 63, 67 and 63 metres, resting on masonry piers of Porcieu-Amblagnieu stone. Each arch is made of eight steel ribs; the deck carries four lanes and two 4.7-metre walkways. White limestone statues of the Rhône and Saône stand on the piers, and the abutments bear Lyon's coat of arms dated 1888–1890.

A first wooden bridge on this site, opened in 1828 as Pont Charles X, was renamed Pont Lafayette in 1830 after General Lafayette's triumphant entry into Lyon on 5 September 1829. The current steel bridge, designed by engineers Tavernier, Girardon and Fabrègues, was built between 1888 and 1890. In September 1944 German troops destroyed the central arch; it was rebuilt and the bridge reopened in 1946.

The bridge features decorative sculptures representing the Rhône and Saône rivers, with a woman resting on a lion and a warrior against a roaring lion. These figures tell the story of the connection between the two waterways that shape Lyon.

The central location makes this crossing essential for vehicles and pedestrians moving between different city districts. Visitors should note that heavy traffic occurs during peak hours, so walking is the better option during these times.

The bridge's steel structure was made and assembled by Schneider & Cie. in Le Creusot, and it is considered one of the first road bridges whose load-bearing frame was entirely of steel rather than wrought iron. The abutments carry the Lyon coat of arms dated 1888–1890.