Thursday Travels: Pont Alexandre III, Paris

Pont Alexandre III is one of the most gorgeous and elegant bridges in Paris, represents the peace in relationship between France and Russia. In 1900, Russian Tsar Nicholas II personally placed the bridge's foundation stone.

The bridge certainly represents the extravagant lifestyle of early 20th-century France. This massive bridge, 154 meters long, 45 meters wide, and elegantly decorated with 1.8 kilograms of gold connects the Esplanade des Invalides to the Avenue Wilson Churchill.

The decorative elements were designed by several of France's top artists, including sculptors Jules Dalou and Georges Gardet, who created the lion sculptures that can be found on the bridge.

Since 1975, the bridge has been protected by the government as a historical and architectural monument.

The ornamental decoration of the bridge, which includes figures of Pegasus, nymphs, and angels, is quite similar to the design of the Grand Palais. Four 17-metre-high stone pylons, two on each bank, serve as counterweights for the deck arch. Bronze statues of Pegasus with winged horses stand atop them, symbolizing Science, Art, Industry, and Battle. In the center of the bridge is a nymph of the Seine with the coat of arms of France and a nymph of the Neva with the coat of arms of Imperial Russia, both made in copper by Georges Recipo.

The Pont Alexandre III also provides a spectacular viewpoint for visitors; on one side, the Esplanade des Invalides, and on the other, the gorgeous Petit Palais and Grand Palais.

St. Petersburg, Russia – the Trinity Bridge

The Alexander III Bridge has a “sister” in St. Petersburg, Russia – the Trinity Bridge across the Neva, built between 1897 and 1903 by the French firm Société de Construction des Batignolles. The structure also highlighted the two nations' cultural and political connection. Félix Faure, the sixth president of France's Third Republic, attended the founding ceremony.

Enjoy the beauty of Paris!