Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The former Poissy Bridge, also known as the Poissy Old Bridge, was a nearly 400-metre masonry structure connecting Poissy to Quartiers-sub-Poissy (Yvelines). Originally built in the 13th century on potentially older foundations, it played a key role in trade (bevelling, fishing, milling) and military conflicts, especially during the Hundred Years War and the Wars of Religion. Its 37 arches housed mills, fisheries and road tolls, making it a major economic axis.

Over the centuries, the bridge was partially rebuilt (17th century), modernized (19th century) with a metal bow of 32 meters, then damaged during the wars (1870, 1940, 1944). In 1944, an ally bombardment destroyed the majority of its arches, leaving only six remains visible today. Its history reflects technical developments (gateways, mills) and the strategic stakes of the Seine Valley.

The bridge was also a place of social life: guinguettes (like the Esturgeon), restaurants, and nautical activities attracted Parisians and artists (Monet, Meissonier) in the 19th century. After its destruction, pedestrian bridge projects on its remains emerged, with a planned inauguration around 2024. The remaining arches, partially classified as historic monuments (1937), bear witness to its heritage importance.

Four of the mills on the bridge (including the Moulin de la Reine Blanche) were disused at the end of the 19th century, victims of river transformation and industrialization. Their disappearance marked the end of a craft era. The bridge was also the scene of historic passages, such as Napoleon I (1810, 1840) or Henry IV (1590), and battles during the Second World War.

Today, the remains of the bridge – three arches on the Poissy side and three on the Quartier-sub-Poissy side – are integrated into urban projects (La Croisette residence). A pedestrian and cycle bridge, scheduled for 2024, aims to restore the link between the two shores, while preserving the historical foundations. This project, estimated at EUR 23 million, is part of a dynamic of valorisation of the francilian river heritage.

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