File:Le Samaritaine, Paris - Pont Neuf (3761588297).jpg

Le Samaritaine overlooking Pont Neuf. Retake shot, as the previous one came out over exposed. Luckily I got this before passing under the Pont Neuf.

A Department Store near the Pont Neuf on the Seine (same side of the River as the Louvre)

Once one of Paris' emblematic department stores, the store, which had been operating at a loss since the 1970s, was finally closed in 2005 because the building did not meet safety codes. Various plans for redeveloping the building have come to nothing so far, as the representatives of the store's founders, who want it restored as a department store, have argued with new majority owners LVMH, who want to convert it to a mixed-use development.

The oldest stone bridge in Paris dates from 1607. --- Pont Neuf

The Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge in Paris, France, across the river Seine. Ironically, its name means "new bridge" in French (the name, coined in the early 17th century, stuck).

The total length of the bridge is 278 m, its width 28 m. It is actually composed of two separate spans, one of 5 arches joining the south (left) bank to the Île de la Cité, another of 7 joining the island to the north (right) bank. The Pont Neuf has small head-shaped sculpted decorations, as well as round places off the pavement so that passers-by can rest and watch the river Enlarge The Pont Neuf has small head-shaped sculpted decorations, as well as round places off the pavement so that passers-by can rest and watch the river

The decision to build the bridge was taken by King Henri IV, who would lay its first stone and inaugurate it. Its construction started in 1578 and was completed in 1604 (or 1607, depending on sources). The Pont Neuf is constructed as a series of many short arch bridges, as most bridges of that time were built. Contrary to the habits of the time, the bridge was the first stone bridge in Paris not to support houses in addition to a thoroughfare, and was also fitted with pavements protecting pedestrians from mud and horses. The bridge had heavy traffic from the beginning; it was for a long time the widest bridge in Paris. The structure has never been altered, although the bridge has undergone repair and renovation work. The wooden posts supporting the foundations are still the originals.