Pont Alexandre III: Paris's Gilded Bridge
A Belle Époque masterpiece, Pont Alexandre III offers stunning views and symbolizes Franco-Russian friendship with its ornate design and gilded details.
The Pont Alexandre III is arguably the most beautiful and extravagant bridge in Paris. Spanning the Seine, it links the Champs-Élysées quarter with the Invalides and Eiffel Tower. Built between 1896 and 1900, the bridge commemorates the Franco-Russian Alliance of 1892, and is named after Tsar Alexander III. His son, Nicholas II, laid the foundation stone in October 1896. The bridge's design, by architects Joseph Cassien-Bernard and Gaston Cousin, reflects the style of the Grand Palais, to which it leads on the right bank. Engineers Jean Résal and Amédée Alby constructed the bridge with a low, single-span steel arch to avoid obstructing views of the Champs-Élysées and the Invalides. The bridge is lavishly decorated with Art Nouveau lamps, cherubs, nymphs, and winged horses. Each end features 17-meter-tall granite pylons with gilded statues representing Industry, Commerce, Science, and the Arts. At the base of the pylons are statues depicting France during different historical periods. The nymph reliefs at the center of the arches symbolize the Franco-Russian Alliance, with the Nymphs of the Seine bearing the arms of Paris and the Nymphs of the Neva bearing the arms of Imperial Russia. The Pont Alexandre III was inaugurated during the 1900 Exposition Universelle, along with the Grand Palais and Petit Palais. Today, it is a classified French monument historique, celebrated for its architectural beauty and historical significance.
Local tips
- Visit during early morning or late evening for fewer crowds and optimal lighting for photography.
- Take a stroll along the bridge to admire the sculptures, lampposts, and panoramic views of the Seine and surrounding landmarks.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as the Grand Palais, Petit Palais, and Les Invalides.
- Check for temporary exhibitions or events happening at the Grand Palais or Petit Palais before your visit.
- Consider a Seine River cruise for a different perspective of the bridge and other Parisian landmarks.
A brief summary to Pont Alexandre III
- Pont Alexandre III, Paris, FR
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
From central Paris, take Metro Line 1 or 13 to Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau station (closest to the bridge on the 8th arrondissement side) or Line 8 or 13 to Invalides station (closest on the 7th arrondissement side). A single Metro ticket costs €2.50. Alternatively, several bus lines stop near the bridge, including lines 42, 73, and 93 at Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau, lines 83, 87, and 93 at Invalides, and lines 63 and 93 at Pont Alexandre III.
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Walking
If you are near the Champs-Élysées, Grand Palais, or Les Invalides, walking to the Pont Alexandre III is a scenic option. From the Champs-Élysées, walk towards the Seine and the Grand Palais, and you'll easily spot the bridge. From Les Invalides, walk towards the river, and the bridge will be directly in front of you. The bridge connects these landmarks, making it a natural part of a walking tour.
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Taxi/Ride-sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Paris. A short taxi ride from the Eiffel Tower or Louvre Museum to Pont Alexandre III typically costs between €8 and €15, depending on traffic and time of day. Keep in mind that there is a pickup fee of €4.10, and the mileage rate ranges from €1.22 to €1.74 per kilometer. There may be an additional charge of €4 if there are 5 or more passengers.
