Pont des Amours (Bridge of Love), Annecy

Pont des Amours (Bridge of Love), Annecy (must see)

Some say the Public Gardens Footbridge was built simply to connect the Plaquier to the Gardens of Europe. So, why does everyone call it the "Bridge of Love"? There is a popular legend that if two lovers meet in the middle of the bridge and kiss they will stay together forever. Cynics claim it is a favorite place for ladies of the night.

Located on the shores of Lake Annecy by the Vasse Canal, it does provide easy access to the gardens for couples looking for serenity. Whatever the legend, the bridge, to this day, is more than a busy walkway. It is a romantic passage to a trusted trysting place with captivating views of the city, the mountains and the lake.

The first footbridge plans to connect the Lombard Clos (now the Gardens of Europe) with the Plauier esplanade were put forward in 1836. In 1845 Charles-Albert, the King of Piedmont-Sardinia, came to call and a wooden bridge was erected so spectators could view the light show over the canal. The King liked it too.

In 1859 another footbridge replaced the the wooden one. It had three cast iron arches installed by Clude Grandchamp and it was called "public garden footbridge." It was an improvement and it was durable but too low to accommodate boat traffic and it was high maintenance.

At last, in 1907, the city replaced the cast iron bridge with a new iron construction by architect Gaspard Fruauf.

On one side see an esplanade lined with trees. On the other a crystal alpine lake framed by rugged mountains. On a clear summer day people line the rail, enjoying the view of the lake and canal. In Autumn, on a rainy day, the bridge belongs to oneself. The views are fantastic in a different way and thoughts are one's own.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Annecy. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Pont des Amours (Bridge of Love) on Map

Sight Name: Pont des Amours (Bridge of Love)
Sight Location: Annecy, France (See walking tours in Annecy)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Annecy, France

Create Your Own Walk in Annecy

Create Your Own Walk in Annecy

Creating your own self-guided walk in Annecy is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Annecy Introduction Walking Tour

Annecy Introduction Walking Tour

A Roman column in the Place des Romains in Annecy commemorates the founding of the Roman settlement of Boutae in 50 BC. When the Roman empire collapsed, Boutae was deserted. A new settlement formed in the 8th century called "Anniciaca". The name "Annecy" is derived from the name of the top man of the city, "Aniciacus".

In the middle ages Annecy and Savoy belonged...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Annecy's Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Annecy's Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Annecy is a lovely historic town with narrow streets and numerous notable landmarks – decorated houses, old churches, and beautiful gardens, – each bearing witness to its cultural and religious heritage. The Medieval feel reflected in Annecy’s architecture attracts tourists year after year.

The Annecy Cathedral, originally built as a convent in the 16th century, has undergone various...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles