Ponts Couverts

The Ponts Couverts are three bridges and four medieval towers spanning the River Ill at the edge of La Petite France, in Strasbourg, in the Alsace area of France's Grand Est region. Built in the 13th century as part of the city's defences, they once carried wooden roofs, which gave the group its name, though the covers were removed long ago and the stone towers remain. The towers, linked by a stretch of the old ramparts, controlled access to the river and the western approach to the city. Today the bridges are public footways and are free to cross at any hour. Visitors walk across the three spans, look down at the canals and locks, and admire the squat towers, which are not generally open inside. The best views are along the water towards the Barrage Vauban, whose rooftop terrace looks straight over the Ponts Couverts to the cathedral spire. The visit itself is short, usually 20-30 minutes, but it is often combined with a walk through La Petite France and the Batorama boat trip, which passes under the arches. Crowds are largest from late morning to late afternoon in summer and in December, when the bridges are packed with photographers and tour groups. Early morning is the quietest period and gives clean reflections in calm water. Sunset and evening are popular because the towers are lit, and the bridges make an atmospheric stop after dinner. For photographs, the classic angles are from the Barrage Vauban terrace, from the Pont Saint-Martin and from the Quai de la Petite France. Pedestrians share the narrow walkways, so visitors should step aside from the central path when stopping to take pictures.