The present shape of the Change Bridge (French: Pont au Change) was constructed during the reign of Napoleon III, nevertheless, the first river crossing here was built as early as in the 9th century. The bridge owes its name to its former trading function. There were numerous stalls, booths and even merchants’ houses and everyday barter of goods was conducted. After the fire in the 19th century the authorities prohibited the merchants from building houses and trading there. However, the name still refers to the trading tradition of the construction. Near the Pont au Change there is the Palace of Justice built on the island of Cité, which is very popular among tourists. The edifice was built in the 10th century as the residence of French rulers and at present it is open for tourists.
