The most beautiful bridges in Paris
Comme la vie est lente, et comme l’espérance est violente. —- Guillaume Apollinaire
Standing on the Bridge Mirabeau, renowned poet Guillaume Apollinaire praised the Seine River in 《Le pont Mirabeau》using his classic tone, leaving people with endless imagination towards the Seine and the bridge Mirabeau.
Except for the bridge Mirabeau, what about other bridges across the Seine with elegant design and exotic flavor?
01
Pont – Neuf
New bridge
Metro line 7, Pont-Neuf
Despite the name given as the “New bridge”, it is possibly one of the most ancient bridges in Paris.
Constructed from 1578, the work was finished in 30 years. Since it contained a pedestrian and a carriageway (most of the bridges in Paris were built with houses on the sides), it was very modern at the time. The place is bustling, full of vitality, and there are many vendors. People would hold luxurious weddings here or would receive visits by foreign guests. Although the bridge has undergone some renovations, the bridge and the 381 human face sculptures on the bridge have withstood the invasion of time (each face is different!)
Sites nearby:
- Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois
- La place Dauphine
- Le square du Vert-Galant
- L’hôtel des Monnaies
02
Le Pont des Arts
The bridge of arts
Metro line 7. Pont-neuf
The Bridge of Arts connects two highlands of culture- Musee du Louvre and Academy of France.
Despite several renovations since 1803, the bridge stays popular as a great spot of viewing the city, and is preferred by tourists and film directors. Today it is also a “must-go” place for lovers, who enjoy hanging their locks carved with the name of partners. (Each year there are thousands of locks that appear on two sides of the bridge!)
Sites nearby:
- L’institut de France
- Le Cour carrée du Louvre
- L’école nationale supérieure des beaux-arts (Access free)
03
Bridge Alexandre-III
Metro line 8/13
The Bridge Alexandre-III is one of the most gorgeous buildings in Paris featuring elegance and technology (There is only one arch in the whole 109 meters iron bridge). The bridge is equipped with beautiful lines and very decorative aesthetics. It was constructed in 1900 Paris EXPO as a symbol of French-Russian friendship. At the same time, the bridge Alexandre-III connects Les Invalides square and the big and small palaces. On the map of design, there are 50 masterpieces from 17 different artists, which is truly the pride of France as well as Russia.
Sites nearby:
- Le petit et le grand Palais
- Le Palais de L’Elysée
- L’esplanade et l’hôtel des Invalides
04
Pont de l’Alma
Metro line 9
Built in the 1970s, though the bridge is not the most graceful, it still remains as a great architecture.
The bridge occupies an important role in the heart of Parisiens thanks to a figure, Zhu Afubing. This is in fact a statue of a French infantry (this is the first bridge of celebrating the French military success), the bridge currently serves as a reference for the Parisians when the water level of the Seine is at high tide: if the water reaches the statue’s feet, the avenue will be closed; if the water reaches the statue’s legs, navigation is prohibited. Once the river water drenches the beard of the statue, the problem is very serious!
His popularity allowed him to be kept on the bridge and survive from renovation and since then he continues to stand guard on the river every winter …
Sites nearby:
- Le Théâtre des Champs-Elysées
Indeed, Those bridges are perfectly mingled with the river seine and the history of Paris.
Paris was born in Roman times. The two bridges in the city were the only way to connect the two banks of the river, and they were also right at the intersection that runs through the main roads of Gaul. It is this strategic position that made the King of France designate Paris as the capital. In the 2000-year history of this city, the number of bridges has increased from the original 2 to 37!
To some extent, both the gurgling river water and the stylish bridges contribute to the charm of the Seine river.
