The capital of France is a dream city for many. If you are lucky enough to see Paris, you will surely try to collect all of its precious gems. One of them is the Alexandre III Bridge in Paris. It is rightly called one of the most amazing bridges in the world. It crosses the Seine near the Champs Elysees and the Maison des Invalides.
Brief Information:
The Alexandre III Bridge is a single-arch bridge spanning the Seine in Paris between the Maison des Invalides and the Champs-Elysees. The length of the bridge is 160 meters.
Address: Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris, France
Opening: April 14, 1900.
Width: 40 meters
Location: Paris
Architect: Joseph Cassien-Bernard
The Alexandre III Bridge is a single-arch bridge spanning the Seine in Paris between the Maison des Invalides and the Champs-Elysees. The length of the bridge is 160 meters. History of construction
This river crossing was laid out by Russian Tsar Nicholas II in 1896 and was named after his father. The erection of this bridge was a sign of Russian-French alliance. It is long, wide, but not at all high. This was necessary not to hide the beauty of the Champs Elysees, opening up to the view. At the same time, such a low bridge should not interfere with river vessels. For this reason it has no piers on the river. Innovative technologies were used in the construction of the bridge. For example, for the first time expensive steel was used for this purpose. It was also the first electrically illuminated bridge in Europe. 28 tall lanterns with numerous lights made according to ancient technology, like garlands, illuminate it on both sides. This unique bridge was built by engineers Jean Rezal and Amedee Albi and architects Joseph Cassien-Bernard and Gaston Cousin. Currently, the Alexander III Bridge is protected by the state and has been restored several times. It is noteworthy that less than a year later in St. Petersburg, the French President laid an identical Troitsky Bridge across the Neva River. Such parallel construction was intended to emphasize the cultural and political commonality of the two countries.
Interesting facts about the bridge
Alexander III Bridge is a must-visit for all connoisseurs of beauty. This architectural monument is made in the beaux-arts style. It is the richest bridge in Paris in terms of decoration. Fanciful moldings, gilding, elegant statues of mythical creatures decorate its railings and lanterns. In the center of the bridge are two nymphs, symbolizing Russia and France. The sculptures at the base of the two monumental pylons depict different historical epochs in the development of the state from the Middle Ages to the present. It is said that during construction a gold medal was hidden under one of them to commemorate the event. But the place is strictly classified. This bridge as a place of action has repeatedly appeared in movies and even cartoons. For the modern tourist it is a favorite place for selfies. In one frame you can successfully collect the main attractions of the city: and the palaces, and the Seine embankment, and the Eiffel Tower. This is a great place for a wedding photo shoot. We especially recommend visiting this famous bridge for lovers. According to belief, if a couple kisses on this bridge, their love will be eternal. Newlyweds make wishes for a happy married life in the middle of the bridge.
Many guidebooks describe the Alexandre III Bridge as the most elegant in Paris. The decoration of the bridge, with its figures of pegasi, nymphs and angels, is a striking example of the boz-ar style and has much in common with the Grand Palais on the right. On either side of the entrance to the bridge are 17-meter high lampposts, above which hover bronze figures symbolizing Science, Art, Industry and Battle. In the center of the bridge arches are the Nymph of the Seine with the coat of arms of France and the Nymph of the Neva with the coat of arms of Imperial Russia, both made of copper by Georges Recipeau.
How to get there?
If you are going to visit the Alexandre III Bridge on your own, you need to get to the Maison des Invalides stop or to the Invalides metro station (Line 8). In order to easily find this famous bridge and get your bearings in the city, Metropole offers you a sightseeing tour of Paris with a Russian-speaking guide. You will be initiated into all Parisian secrets and the most curious details. The unique route and comfortable car transfer will leave only the most pleasant impressions of the trip.
