Pont Alexandre III

Paris


Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) to link the Grand Palais and Petit Palais with Les Invalides on the Left Bank, this Beaux Arts–style single-span steel bridge – a listed historical monument – is emblazoned with cherubs and nymphs, with four 17m-high pylons topped with statues of gilded winged horses. From the bridge there are sensational views of the Eiffel Tower. Art nouveau lamps illuminate it at night.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Paris attractions

1. Petit Palais

0.15 MILES

This architectural stunner was built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, and is home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris (City of Paris…

2. Jardin de la Nouvelle France

0.16 MILES

Descending rustic, uneven staircases (by the white-marble Alfred de Musset sculpture on av Franklin D Roosevelt, or the upper garden off cours la Reine)…

3. Bouquet of Tulips

0.16 MILES

Reaching 11m high and weighing 61 tonnes, this bronze, aluminium and stainless steel sculpture of an outsized hand holding aloft a bouquet of colourful,…

4. Ministère des Affaires Étrangères

0.17 MILES

Next door to the Assemblée Nationale is the Second Empire–style Ministère des Affaires Étrangères, built between 1845 and 1855. It's closed to the public.

5. FluctuArt

0.19 MILES

Opened in 2019, this hip cultural centre occupying a péniche (barge) off pont des Invalides brought an unexpected dash of coolness to an otherwise…

6. Palais de la Découverte

0.19 MILES

Attached to the Grand Palais, this children’s science museum has excellent temporary exhibits (eg moving lifelike dinosaurs) as well as a hands-on,…

7. Grand Palais

0.2 MILES

Erected for the 1900 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), the Grand Palais is topped by a huge 8.5-tonne art nouveau glass roof. It hosts some of Paris’…

8. Statue of Général Charles de Gaulle

0.23 MILES

Created by Jean Cardot, this 3.7m-high bronze statue (2000), set atop a 3.85m-high pedestal, depicts a striding Général Charles de Gaulle, who led the the…