Bridges Across the Seine > Pont de la Tournelle
Introduction to the bridge Pont de la Tournelle
The Pont de la Tournelle is one of Paris's most distinctive bridges, immediately recognizable by the towering statue of Saint Genevieve that graces its central pier. Connecting the Left Bank's 5th arrondissement with the Île Saint-Louis, this elegant stone bridge combines practical transportation function with powerful religious symbolism, making it a unique landmark in the Parisian cityscape.
The current bridge, completed in 1928, replaced several earlier structures at this strategic location, including a medieval bridge that had connected the mainland to the Île Saint-Louis for centuries. The modern bridge was designed by architects Paul Séjourné and Jean Résal in a classical style that harmonizes beautifully with the historic architecture of the surrounding area while incorporating modern engineering techniques.
The bridge's most remarkable feature is the 15-meter tall statue of Saint Genevieve, patron saint of Paris, created by sculptor Paul Landowski. The statue depicts the saint as a young woman in flowing robes, protecting a child who represents the city of Paris. This powerful imagery reflects Saint Genevieve's legendary role in protecting Paris from Attila the Hun in 451 AD and her enduring status as the spiritual guardian of the capital.
Structurally, the Pont de la Tournelle features three graceful stone arches built from beautiful pale limestone that creates an elegant profile against the Seine. The bridge spans 122 meters in total length with a width of 23 meters, providing ample space for both vehicular traffic and pedestrian walkways. The central arch, which supports the statue, rises majestically above the water, creating a dramatic silhouette that has become iconic in Parisian imagery.
The bridge's name derives from a small medieval tower ("tournelle") that once stood at this location, serving as part of the ancient fortifications that protected the approach to the Île Saint-Louis. This historical connection links the modern bridge to Paris's medieval past, when the Seine islands served as crucial defensive positions in the heart of the growing city.
From the Pont de la Tournelle, visitors enjoy some of the most spectacular views in Paris. Looking upstream, the elegant townhouses of the Île Saint-Louis create a perfectly preserved 17th-century streetscape, while looking downstream reveals the majestic silhouette of Notre-Dame Cathedral. The bridge offers an ideal vantage point for photography enthusiasts and anyone seeking to capture the timeless beauty of historic Paris reflected in the flowing waters of the Seine.