With the Old Prisons, the Pont des Amours is one of the most photographed places in Annecy by the many tourists visiting. We invite you to discover the history of this iconic site of the lakeside city.
Getting to the Pont des Amours in Annecy
Annecy, known as the little Venice of the Alps, is famous for its canals that wind through the historic center of the city. Among these canals, the Vassé canal flows under the Pont des Amours before joining the lake, providing a romantic setting highly sought after by tourists.
To access the Pont des Amours, you have two options: behind the Town Hall, you can cross the Gardens of Europe, where the bridge is on your left. Alternatively, you can walk along the lake’s edge on the esplanade of the Pâquier and turn right to reach the bridge.
Once there, you can rent pedal boats on either side of the bridge to explore the site and enjoy a swim in the summer. The canal also serves as a harbor for many boats that pass under the bridge, offering visitors a stunning view of the lake and the small island of swans, with the Mont Veyrier in the background, ideal for accessible hikes.
The Pont des Amours is also a favorite spot for wedding photographs and a meeting point for couples wishing to immortalize their visit to Annecy. For a different perspective, head to the banks of the Vassé canal, where the river makes a left turn, to capture the beauty of the century-old plane trees and the lake. Cyclists will appreciate the ramps on either side of the bridge, making it easier for them to pass.
Legends and origins of the Pont des Amours
The origin of the name of the Pont des Amours sparks mixed opinions. For some, it refers to its role as a meeting place for couples, as evidenced by the many padlocks left on the railings to seal their love. Like in Paris, the municipality of Annecy regularly removes these padlocks to preserve the integrity of the bridge and the aesthetics of the area.
For others, a less romantic legend could explain the origin of the bridge’s name. According to this version, the name comes from the former clientele of this footbridge, which was once a meeting point for prostitutes…
In any case, a tradition still endures today: it is said that lovers who kiss in the middle of the bridge are destined to be united for life.
The history of the Pont des Amours
The idea of building a bridge at this location in Annecy was conceived in 1836, as part of a development plan proposed by Samuel Vaucher-Crémieux. However, the people of Annecy had to wait until 1858 for a three-arch footbridge designed by architect Ignace Monnet to be erected.
Unfortunately, this first version proved too narrow for pedestrian passage and too low to allow boats to pass. Additionally, its construction incurred significant costs. In 1859, a new project was considered to improve the landscape integration. A iron structure was then built according to the plans of Gaspard Fraüf, municipal architect, and the bridge was inaugurated on June 9, 1907, to connect the Pâquier to the Gardens of Europe.
Activities to discover the Pont des Amours
If you want to discover the Pont des Amours other than by crossing it, here are some activity ideas to consider:
A Segway ride
Accompanied by a guide, enjoy a Segway ride in Annecy and discover the most iconic places in the city, including the Pont des Amours. The Segway, easy to maneuver, will allow you to move easily through the streets and bike paths of Annecy.
A bike ride
Walking around Annecy by bike, whether city or electric, is a great way to discover the city. You can explore iconic places at your own pace and take breaks whenever you want to enjoy different spots like the Pont des Amours.
See other activities in Annecy
