Today, meet Marie, human resources project manager. Marie has been an Inwood lover for 3 years now, and today she shares with us one of her favorite Parisian spots: the Pont Alexandre III.
A lifelong Parisian, Marie grew up in the 15th arrondissement. It was during her teenage years that she discovered the famous Pont Alexandre III, while strolling or jogging along the docks of the Seine, a must-do activity in her native neighbourhood. It was during this period that her first memories of this historical place of Paris were born.She remembers realizing she really does live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and that she sees the beauty of Paris, in particular thanks to this bridge and its surroundings.
Marie describes it as "romantic, magical and typically Parisian", because from here you can admire the River Seine and the many emblematic monuments surrounding it, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, Les Invalides and more. In a setting where Parisian charm resides, her favorite thing about this place is the various golden sculptures that adorn the bridge and its absolutely unique architecture. She appreciates the fact that this bridge is a real place of life, always dynamic and busy.
In her opinion, the ideal time to fully appreciate the splendor of the Pont Alexandre III is during the transition from spring to summer. No matter what the weather, this place always retains its charm, but she finds it particularly breathtaking when light plays an essential role, reflecting off the Seine and the golden statues, creating a scene worthy of a painting where the architecture and the setting sun, in shades of orange and pink, offer us a magnificent spectacle.
Marie recommends this place to all lovers and couples wishing to share a romantic and unique moment. Her tip for even greater enjoyment: prepare a typical Parisian picnic to immerse yourself in the atmosphere; cheese, charcuterie and a bottle of wine, and enjoy it at the bottom of the bridge, on the banks of the Seine, as the sun sets and you admire the scenery. She also confides that this activity is a very pleasant moment to share with friends in summer, allowing you to get together on the Invalides lawn and enjoy the summer evenings with a magnificent view of the Alexandre III bridge.
Find out more about this historic bridge
A true masterpiece of Parisian architecture, it is undoubtedly one of the best-known bridges in Paris, and indeed in the world.
Its history
The bridge was built between 1896 and 1900 for political reasons, representing the Franco-Russian alliance. Indeed, France and Russia enjoyed a very close relationship at the time, not least because of the union between Russian Tsar Alexander III and Princess Alix of Hesse-Darmstadt. The bridge takes its name from this former Russian tsar.
Politics aside, the bridge was built for the 1900 Paris World's Fair. With over 2,600 tons of steel used in its construction, 152 meters long and 45 meters wide, it was a real feat of engineering for its time. Like the Passerelle DeBilly, this bridge was built to ensure a smooth flow of traffic between several strategic points of the exhibition: the Invalides, the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais. Ile links the 7th and 8th arrondissements by crossing the Seine.
Surprising architecture
The bridge, a real historical place in Paris, was designed and built by two architects, Cassien-Bernard and Gaston Cousin, and two engineers, Amédée Alby and Résal. Their idea was to create a spectacular bridge, harmoniously blending several architectural styles: Art Nouveau, neo-baroque and neo-rococo.
Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this bridge is its decoration, all representing allegories of France and Russia. Indeed, several elements make it absolutely majestic, such as the pillars adorned with statues of nymphs and cherubs, serving as anchors for the bridge's arches. The statues were created by famous sculptors of the time: Georges Récipon, Emmanuel Frémiet and Jules Coutan.
Along the edges of the bridge, you'll find gilded lampposts, full of charm thanks to their refined ornamentation, which have become world-famous and symbolic of the "City of Light", designed by architect Gabriel Davioud.
Last but not least, the bridge also features bronze bas-reliefs depicting mythological and historical scenes, created by sculptors Emmanuel Frémiet and Gustave Michel.
A major cultural hub
Beyond its remarkable beauty, the Alexandre III Bridge has also become an emblematic cultural landmark. In the cinema, its beauty has inspired many directors to use the bridge as a backdrop for their films. Classics such as Gérard Oury's "Les Aventures de Rabbi Jacob" in 1973, Woody Allen's "Minuit à Paris" in 2011, and Roshdy Zem's "Chocolat" have used the bridge as a major element in their stories.
The Pont Alexandre III has also been the setting for numerous music videos by renowned international artists such as Adele and Mariah Carey. These videos have helped to reinforce the worldwide reputation of this iconic Parisian bridge as a popular cultural landmark.
What's more, the Pont Alexandre III played an important role in Paris' campaign to host the 2024 Olympic Games. To promote the city's bid, an ephemeral diving board was installed on the bridge, symbolizing the French capital's commitment to sport and cultural celebration. In 2024, it will then host part of the swimming, road cycling, marathon and triathlon events.
The bridge is a place of unparalleled beauty, a true symbol of Parisian beauty, with a rich history down the centuries.