Carrousel Bridge
France, Paris

The Carrousel Bridge is a road bridge spanning the River Seine in the heart of Paris, connecting the Quai des Tuileries on the Right Bank to the Quai Voltaire on the Left Bank. It is situated between the Pont Royal upstream and the Pont des Arts downstream, providing a vital link between the First and Seventh arrondissements. The bridge facilitates both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, offering direct access to major cultural institutions including the Louvre Museum and the Institut de France.


The current structure, completed in 1939, is the second bridge to occupy this site. It replaced an earlier suspension bridge, also named Pont du Carrousel, which was constructed between 1831 and 1834. The decision to rebuild was driven by the need for a wider and more robust structure to accommodate the increasing demands of modern Parisian traffic, as the original bridge had become functionally obsolete and aesthetically incongruent with its surroundings.


Designed by the architects and engineers Gaspard, Turmel, and Goudard, the bridge is a notable example of early 20th-century engineering. It is a reinforced concrete arch bridge, a material choice that was modern for its time, though it is entirely faced with stone to harmonize with the classical architecture of central Paris. The bridge measures approximately 168 meters in length and 33 meters in width.


A distinctive feature of the Carrousel Bridge is its four monumental stone pillars, each crowned with allegorical statues created by the sculptor Louis Petitot. These statues represent Abundance, Industry, The City of Paris, and The Seine. The bridge's name derives from the Place du Carrousel, the vast square located near the Louvre, which itself commemorates a festive equestrian display, or "carrousel," held there in 1662 by King Louis XIV.


The bridge offers one of the classic panoramic views of Paris, framing the Seine River with iconic landmarks. From its deck, one can observe the western tip of the Île de la Cité, the spire of the Sainte-Chapelle, and the towers of the Conciergerie. Its location makes it an integral part of the Parisian riverscape, contributing to the UNESCO World Heritage designation of the banks of the Seine. The bridge remains a functional and historical element of the city's infrastructure, embodying a blend of utility and architectural consideration.

Купить Туры и Билеты

Paris. Все Туры

11 дней
112 750 ₽

8 дней
88 000 ₽
Location
Carrousel Bridge