A masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture and 19th-century engineering, the highly ornamental Pont Alexandre III was inaugurated at the 1900 World’s Fair. The bridge, built in part to honor the alliance between France and Russia, was named after the Russian Tsar Alexander III. It has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1975.
Today, the bridge is renowned for its beauty. Decorated with numerous sculptures and art nouveau lamps, the structure features four carved pillars, each crowned by gilded statues that represent Arts, Science, Industry, and Commerce. In addition to its own good looks, Pont Alexandre III offers exceptional views overlooking the UNESCO-listed Banks of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, and other key Paris sights. As such, it’s a popular stop on walking, cycling, and Segway tours, and can also be admired during Seine sightseeing cruises.
If you’re passing Pont Alexandre III, look for the two nymph reliefs, each located on one side of the bridge: one represents the Nymphs of the Seine, and the other the Nymphs of the Neva.
The bridge is open to both cars and pedestrians.
Pont Alexander III’s design was built to resemble the neighboring Grand Palais, which also debuted during the World’s Fair.
The bridge measures 525 feet (160 meters) and takes just minutes to cross.
The centrally located Pont Alexandre III is easily accessible via Métro lines 8 and 13 or the RER C, all of which stop at the nearby Invalides station. Alternatively, you can take bus lines 63, 72, 83, or 93; it’s also reachable on foot, by taxi, or by Vélib’.
Pont Alexandre III is beautiful all year round, whether illuminated by sunlight or blanketed softly in snow. Whenever you visit, just be sure to go on an evening stroll, as the art nouveau lamps illuminate it with a soft glow and add a wonderfully romantic ambience.
If Pont Alexandre III looks curiously familiar to you, that’s because it’s been a pop culture fixture for decades. The bridge made an appearance during Midnight in Paris, starred in Adele’s music video for “Someone Like You,” had a cameo in the animated Anastasia film, and more.
