pont de Soulins

Pont de Soulins is a stone bridge in Brunoy, a small town in the Essonne department just southeast of Paris. Spanning the Yerres river, it is the oldest surviving bridge in Brunoy and one of the town's most recognizable historic landmarks.

What is the story behind the bridge?

The bridge was built in 1745 at the initiative of Jean Pâris de Monmartel, an influential banker who was reshaping his estate in Brunoy at the time. It replaced an older ford at Gournay and was meant to give easier access to the part of his property lying on the opposite bank of the river. Nearly three centuries later, the structure still stands largely as it was originally built.

Pont de Soulins is constructed of stone, with three rounded arches resting on solid piers. That design gives the bridge a graceful profile despite its 18th-century bulk, and the arches reflect elegantly in the calm waters of the Yerres — one of the most photogenic spots along the river. It's precisely this picturesque quality that drew the attention of Gustave Caillebotte, the French Impressionist painter closely associated with the Yerres valley, who painted the bridge on canvas.

Given its historical and architectural value, Pont de Soulins was listed as a French historic monument (monument historique) on October 29, 1987. It stands on rue de Soulins, in the neighborhood that takes its name from the bridge.

How do you get there?

Brunoy is easily reached from Paris via the RER D commuter rail line, with Brunoy station within reasonable walking distance of the bridge. Drivers can reach the town through the network of departmental roads connecting Brunoy with the other communities of the Yerres valley. The bridge itself sits in a quiet, green part of town, making it a natural starting point for a longer walk along the riverbank.

What will you see there?

The bridge is worth viewing both from the riverbank and by walking across it — from the top, there are views over the Yerres and the surrounding greenery. The area around Pont de Soulins is a popular stop on walking and cycling routes that follow the river between Brunoy and neighboring Yerres. The Soulins neighborhood, where the bridge stands, has kept an intimate, historic character and makes a good complement to a visit to Brunoy itself, which is also known for its château park and historic town center.

When is the best time to visit?

The bridge and its surroundings look their best in spring and summer, when the vegetation along the Yerres is in full bloom and a riverside walk is at its most rewarding. In autumn, the bridge and the trees around it take on the same picturesque colors that caught the eye of 19th-century painters. Because it's an open-air site with free, unrestricted access, Pont de Soulins can be visited at any time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Pont de Soulins built? The bridge was built in 1745 at the initiative of Jean Pâris de Monmartel, who owned an estate in Brunoy.

Is it the oldest bridge in Brunoy? Yes, Pont de Soulins is the oldest surviving bridge in the town, standing in nearly its original 18th-century form.

Is the bridge a protected monument? Yes, it has been listed as a French historic monument (monument historique) since October 29, 1987.

Is there a fee to visit the bridge? No, the bridge and the surrounding area are open to the public and can be visited free of charge at any time.