Merci beaucoup! Along the way, we uncovered fascinating stories of royal ambition, revolutionary fervour, and urban transformation. The Voie Triomphale extends far beyond the boundaries of historic Paris, pushing westward into the modern age. From glass towers to futuristic terraces, this leg of the journey will reveal how the axis continues to evolve, bridging the past with the present and imagining possibilities for the future.
It was a rainy afternoon on 6 June , around 5 p. As the ferry made its way across the river, two horses pulling the royal carriage slipped, causing the heavy vehicle to tip and plunge into the Seine. In the chaos, the carriage sank into the murky waters, trapping the queen and the royal children—all under the age of four—beneath the surface. But Henri IV , renowned for his bravery, sprang into action. With the help of his entourage, the king personally dove into the water and pulled his family to safety.
The event left the court shaken and highlighted the dangers of relying on an outdated ferry system. The near-tragedy prompted Henri IV to order the construction of a safer, more reliable crossing at Neuilly. Known as the Pont Henri , it became the first permanent structure to connect this part of the Seine, replacing the risky ferry service. To finance its construction and upkeep, a toll was imposed on all who used it. This wooden structure served its purpose well until , when a severe flood destroyed it.
The bridge was later rebuilt with fourteen arches , ensuring continued access between the growing western suburbs and the city of Paris. The wooden bridges of the 17th century have long since been replaced, but the Pont de Neuilly remains a vital link in the Historical Axis of Paris. The modern version, completed in the s , is a sleek concrete structure designed to handle the demands of contemporary traffic. Yet beneath its functional appearance lies a rich history shaped by royal drama, engineering innovation, and the evolution of Paris as a global city.
The Pont de Neuilly may no longer bear its original wooden arches, but its legacy endures, connecting the past with the future. And at the heart of it all stands the Grande Arche , a structure as symbolic as it is colossal. Its clean, minimalist design reflects these modern values, making it an enduring symbol of a Paris that honours its past while looking to the future.
