View Pont au Double (Double Bridge) in 360 virtual tour
The Double Bridge built across the Seine River takes its name from the ‘double denier’, the toll money that was required to be paid to cross the bridge. The bridge built over the Seine River connects the 4th Arrondissement to the 5th Arrondissement, that is, from the epicenter of Paris - Île de la Cité to the quai de Montebello. It was during the reign of King Francis I that people were requesting a bridge to be constructed over the Seine River to carry patients to the Hotel Dieu hospital located on the Île de la Cité. Construction work began in 1626 and within a year, the bridge was opened for public. In 1709, the bridge collapsed. However, it was re-built and remained in place until 1847. The bridge that you see today was built in 1882. It was made of cast iron – had a single arch and was made up of two cast iron and steel. The bridge is in a great location and offers picturesque views of Notre Dame Cathedral, additionally, being only approx 20 meters wide, the bridge is only used by cyclists and pedestrians. The place is in close proximity of some great places such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Memorial de la Deportation des Juifs de France, Square Jean XXIII, Crypt Archeolgique du Parvis de Notre Dame, and Square Ile de France.