Continuing with the Seine bridges serial...
In addition to the bridges that have been built by purpose for pedestrians, there are three additional bridges which have become pedestrian. They are all connecting Ile de la Cité (You can refer to posts about Pont Neuf, Place Dauphine, Palais de Justice with Sainte Chapelle), either to the southern (left) bank or to Ile Saint Louis (see previous posts). For a more global view of the Seine River, you can refer to my recent post, but here you have a more detailed picture.
In addition to the bridges that have been built by purpose for pedestrians, there are three additional bridges which have become pedestrian. They are all connecting Ile de la Cité (You can refer to posts about Pont Neuf, Place Dauphine, Palais de Justice with Sainte Chapelle), either to the southern (left) bank or to Ile Saint Louis (see previous posts). For a more global view of the Seine River, you can refer to my recent post, but here you have a more detailed picture.
The Pont au Double has its strange name from the fact that originally you had to pay a double toll pass. (Don’t worry; today it’s free of charge). A first bridge was constructed here in 1636 - with hospital buildings, but the present one is from 1883. Using this bridge is in my mind the nicest way to take between Notre Dame and the left bank with the Quartier Latin. Without being disturbed by any traffic you will first reach Square René Viviani with a very good total view of Notre Dame, the possibly oldest tree in Paris, the possibly oldest church in Paris (Saint-Julien-des-Pauvres) ...(see previous post). 
If you turn to the right after crossing the bridge, coming from Notre Dame, you will also find the famous bookshop “Shakespeare & Co.”, opened in 1951 by an American (George Whitman) and specialising in English language literature. (A lot can be said about this famous shop and I would recommend having a look on this site.)The top picture is taken from the Pont de l’Archevêché (Archbishop’s residence – not there anymore), which is the most narrow of the Paris Seine bridges. It dates from 1828. It’s also the one that allows the narrowest passage for the fluvial navigation. On the below picture it’s the small bridge to the left of Notre Dame. Between the bridge and Notre Dame there is a small park and, in my mind, this is where you can get one of the nicest views of the cathedral, from what you may call the back side.
The present Pont Saint Louis is the seventh to be placed here, the first in 1627. The present one is a very simple one from 1970. It connects the two islands, Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint Louis. I have never passed this bridge without getting some kind of entertainment from musicians or other artists. 
You can find the above photos “in full” in a slide show on Ipernity. ... or on Flickr. Do you have a preference?
You can find the above photos “in full” in a slide show on Ipernity. ... or on Flickr. Do you have a preference?
Friday again! Have a nice weekend! (I may finish with the bridges next week.)
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