Pont Wilson, Stone bridge in Tours, France.
Pont Wilson is a stone bridge spanning 434 meters across the Loire River, connecting Avenue de Tranchée in the north with Rue Nationale in the south. The structure features 15 arches and carries tram line A alongside pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes.
The bridge was built between 1765 and 1778, replacing the earlier Eudes Bridge from the 11th century. It received protection as a registered historical monument in France in 1926.
The name honors US President Woodrow Wilson and reflects the American military presence in Tours during World War I. This connection remains visible in how locals identify the bridge as a symbol of Franco-American friendship.
The bridge offers easy access for pedestrians and cyclists, with clear pathways separated from vehicle traffic. Be aware of frequent tram passages, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
In 1978, partial collapse due to erosion damaged the structure and disrupted water supply to the city for an extended period. The repairs required several years of major reconstruction work that transformed how the bridge was maintained afterward.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
