Pont d'Iéna
The Pont d'Iéna is the final stretch before the Eiffel Tower. It starts at the Trocadéro gardens and lands at the foot of the Iron Lady. Since 2024 it has been reserved for pedestrians and bikes. Here is its story in brief, and how to go up the Eiffel Tower once you are across.
Napoleon's bridge
Napoleon I had the bridge built facing the École Militaire and named it, by a decree signed in Warsaw in 1807, after his victory over the Prussians at Jena (14 October 1806). Work lasted from 1808 to 1814. The 155-metre bridge has five arches decorated with imperial eagles.
In 1815 the Prussian marshal Blücher wanted to blow it up; it took Tsar Alexander himself to save it. In 1853 four horsemen were placed at its ends: a Gaul and a Roman on the Left Bank, an Arab and a Greek on the Right Bank. They were restored in early 2024.
Widened to about 35 metres in 1935, the bridge has been a listed historic monument since 1975. Since September 2024 a City of Paris order has banned cars from it.
Things to do nearby
Go up the Eiffel Tower
Across the bridge. Skip-the-line, 2nd floor and summit tickets.
Discover →Eiffel Tower gardens
At the end of the bridge, the free gardens at the foot of the tower.
Discover →Trocadéro gardens
On the Right Bank: the Warsaw fountain and its water jets.
Discover →Seine river cruise
Cruise piers are at the foot of the bridge, on the Eiffel Tower side.
Discover →Getting there
Source: Wikipedia (FR), Pont d'Iéna. Some links to ticket sites are affiliate links (see Transparency).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pont d'Iéna car-free?
Yes. Since September 2024 cars have been banned; the bridge is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.
How long from the Trocadéro to the Eiffel Tower via the Pont d'Iéna?
About 10 minutes on foot from the Trocadéro square: 5 minutes down the gardens, 2 minutes across the bridge, and you are at the foot of the tower.
Why is it called Pont d'Iéna?
It is named after Napoleon's victory over the Prussians at Jena on 14 October 1806.
What do the statues on the bridge show?
Four horsemen installed in 1853: a Gaul and a Roman on the Eiffel Tower side, an Arab and a Greek on the Trocadéro side.
Across the bridge: the Eiffel Tower
You are two minutes from the foot of the tower. Book a skip-the-line ticket to go up without queuing, or a cruise from the nearby piers.