The Pont des Arts - called also passerelle of des Arts (pedestrian bridge of Arts) - was in 1801/1802 until 1804 by engineer Demontier built. The bridge from the adjacent Louvre, called Palais des Arts at the beginning of the 19th century due to its art collections had been named. The construction cost amounted to 787.655 francs and 65 centimes. On the opening day, 64,000 Paris bridge flocked to first cross the Seine on her. Until the February revolution of 1848, bridge toll for crossing the bridge had to be paid.

The bridge had always been reserved for pedestrians, that could go for a walk or relax on the chairs and benches of the bridge with stunning views on the eastern tip of the île de la Cité and the Louvre between trees growing out of flower pots.