The Pont Alexandre III is certainly one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, and also the most emblematic. Of all the photographs I've taken of the capital, those of this bridge are probably the most numerous. I'm always amazed by its architecture and the richness of its decorations. It's often at dusk that I like to take pictures. Indeed, the 32 candelabras that light up the bridge give it a real magic. I also enjoy strolling in the surrounding area, especially along the riverside lanes. Both banks have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991.

Location:

The Alexandre III bridge crosses the Seine, linking the 7th and 8th arrondissements of Paris. Nearby are the Invalides on the left bank of the Seine, and the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the right bank. Place de la Concorde and Avenue des Champs Elysées are just a few hundred meters away, making the bridge an interesting central starting point for a photographic stroll.

Story:

The Alexandre III Bridge was inaugurated on April 14, 1900 by French President Emile Loubet, on the occasion of the Paris Universal Exhibition. It symbolized Franco-Russian friendship, and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia laid the foundation stone on October 7, 1896. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1975.

Construction:

Due to traffic problems at the time, construction of a new bridge was planned for around 1880. Construction began on May 28, 1897. Its design and construction were entrusted to architects Joseph Marie Cassien-Bernard and Gaston Cousin, and engineers Jean Résal and Amédée Alby. The bridge consists of a 107-meter-long cast-steel arch (the total length of the bridge is 160 meters), with a width of 40 meters. 17-metre-high pylons stand at the 4 ends of the bridge. Bronze renown adorn their tops. The Alexandre III bridge was renovated in 1998.

 

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