This illustration highlights the Pont de Pierre, an iconic Bordeaux landmark, which stretches majestically across the Garonne River to connect the city's historic center to its right bank. With its 19 stone arches and 987 meters in length, this bridge symbolizes early 19th-century engineering and aesthetics, offering an exceptional panorama of the river and Bordeaux's quays.
Built between 1810 and 1822 under the leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte and thanks to the work of engineer Jean-Baptiste Billaud-Varenne, the Pont de Pierre replaced an earlier wooden structure that had become inadequate to cope with the expansion of Bordeaux. Carved from stone from local quarries, it represents a remarkable example of neoclassical architecture applied to urban infrastructure.
Today, the Pont de Pierre is much more than just a crossing: it's a popular walking spot for locals and visitors alike, who come to enjoy its splendid views and the lively atmosphere surrounding it, with its restaurants and cafés. From the bridge, it's also possible to embark on a cruise on the Garonne, allowing you to discover Bordeaux from a unique perspective, combining history and modernity.
