Pont Marie

The Pont Marie (French pronunciation: [pɔ̃ maʁi]) is a bridge which crosses the Seine in Paris, France.

[1]: 322  These proposals were countered by Christophe Marie, however approximately fifty were built regardless by carpenter Claude Dublet.

On 1 March 1658 a flood occurred,[1]: 323  which caused the destruction of twenty houses that were built atop the structure and the deaths of about sixty people as well as the loss of two arches near to the île Saint-Louis side of the bridge.

In 1660 a wooden bridge was rebuilt on the same spot, this time with a toll-booth which was designed to raise funds for the complete, stone renovation of the structure.

Some years ago, excursion boat companies operating in Paris began to claim that the Pont Marie is a "lovers' bridge" beneath which it is an "old tradition" to kiss the person next to oneself and make a wish (several variants on this theme exist).

Location on the Seine