Pont au Change — Attraction in Paris

The Pont au Change is a stunning spot to take pictures on one of the major bridges crossing the Seine. This important bridge connects the Ile de la Cite (the Island of the City), which is one of two islands in central Paris to the city centre. This island was the home of the administration, police, courthouses and prisons of Paris.

The bridge is set between the first and fourth arrondissements of Paris. Many important and historic places are here and the bridge connects the Palais de Justice (the courthouse) and the Conciergerie (the old courthouse and prison) to the right bank of the city. The entrance to the island is the Place du Chatelet, which is a large public square.

Older versions of this bridge have been replaced by this one, completed in 1860. It was build by order of Napoleon III and it has his insignia etched on it. The name comes from money changers and goldsmiths who once had shops on older versions of this bridge. The Pont au Change bridge is also famous for Victor Hugo’s novel Les Miserable, where police inspector Javery throws himself from this bridge into the...

On the right bank of the River Seine on the border between the 1st Arrondissement and the 4th Arrondissement you will find the Place du Chatelet and the Pont au change goes from here at the level of the Theatre du Chatelet by the Quai de la Megisserie over to the Ile de la Cite island.

This bridge goes over the wider branch of the river and meets up at the Quai de l’Horloge, which is what this quay was named after, being the oldest public clock still in existence, and is located by the Palais de Justice and La...

That's nothing like putting your feet on a place like this... The river flows strong, the wind sweeps over the water. There's history in front behind and underfoot.

Madie Antoinette was held in the building to the right. The Note Dame is hiding from view on the left...

Big, impressive, proud, arrogant and...