Pont Alexandre III

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• 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.

How to Get There

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’.

When to Get There

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.

Pont Alexandre III in Pop Culture

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.

Ways to explore

Whether sailing under the steel arch on a Seine River sightseeing cruise, driving across the bridge on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, or admiring the views on a walking or cycling tour, Pont Alexandre III is magnificent from all angles. The bridge is a popular inclusion on sightseeing tours of central Paris, a must-see for architecture enthusiasts, and affords panoramic views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Seine riverbanks. Stop on the bridge to admire views of the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, the Grand Palais, and the Petit Palais.

Accessibility

The bridge has a smooth surface, low elevation, and step-free access, making it fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Age limits

None.

What to pack

Camera, binoculars, sunscreen, umbrella

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (there’s no shelter along the bridge)

Not allowed

Parisians walk with purpose, so keep to the side if you want to enjoy the views and take photos—the locals will thank you for it.

Amenities

Pedestrianized walkways, benches, public restrooms on the Quai d’Orsay

Address

Pont Alexandre III spans the Seine between the 7th and 8th arrondissements and is accessible by taxi, on foot, or public transportation.

Driving

While it’s possible to drive in the 7th and 8th arrondissements, heavy traffic and sky-high parking fees make public transport a much better option. If you really don’t want to take the metro, opt for a taxi instead.

Public transportation

The closest metro station to Pont Alexandre III is Invalides (line 8, line 13, RER C) on the Right Bank, a 2-minute walk from the bridge. Bus lines 28, 63, 72, and 93 also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Get there early in the morning to snag a crowd-free photo of the bridge, or time your visit to watch the sunset over the Seine.

Best days to visit

Sunday mornings are an insider secret—this is often the quietest time to visit the bridge; however, it’s best to avoid Saturdays, especially in peak season.

Best months to visit

Any time of year is a good time to visit, but the shoulder months of May to June or September to October provide the best chance of good weather and fewer crowds.

Special events

While there aren’t any festivals held on the bridge, it is a popular spot from which to watch the city’s Bastille Day (July 14) celebrations.