Pont de Pierre

Pont de Pierre

The Pont de Pierre is a bridge in the French city of Bordeaux that spans the Garonne River, connecting the Cours Victor Hugo on the left bank with the Avenue Thiers on the right bank. In English, Pont de Pierre literally means "Stone Bridge."

This bridge was the first to span the Garonne River. It was designed during the First French Empire and constructed under the orders of Napoleon I, at a time when the Bourbon monarchy had been restored. Its construction took place between 1819 and 1822. Upon its completion in 1822, the Pont de Pierre was put into official use. At 486 meters long, it was considered a respectable length for a bridge at the time, and it features 17 arches—the number 17 also corresponds to the number of letters in Napoleon Bonaparte’s full name. Until 1965, the Pont de Pierre remained the only bridge connecting the two banks of the Garonne River.

Today, the Pont de Pierre has become an important and iconic landmark in Bordeaux. It serves as a key transportation route for the city and has gradually evolved into one of its most recognizable symbols. On April 26, 2004, Bordeaux issued a postage stamp worth 0.5 euros featuring the Pont de Pierre.

Pont de Pierre (Bordeaux)

Reason to visit: The earliest bridge to span the Garonne River

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: France[France]

Province/State: Aquitaine Region [Aquitaine Region]

City: Bordeaux [Bordeaux]