Walk on the bridges of Paris!
Categories : Discover Paris, published on : 10/6/23
Paris is renowned for its historical monuments and emblematic sites. But while strolling along the Seine, we discover another facet of its beauty: its bridges. They are true architectural masterpieces that tell the history of the capital. From the Hôtel Bleu de Grenelle, embark on a stroll across the bridges of Paris !
Start your walk from our hotel in Paris 15
Ideally located for visiting the greatest monuments in Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Hôtel National des Invalides, the Hôtel Bleu de Grenelle is also the perfect starting point for discovering all the most beautiful Parisian bridges.
You will then have the pleasure of staying in a 4 star hotel cozy and modern, in a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower or the rooftops of Paris . Comfort is at its peak and allows you to experience an unforgettable stay in the 15th arrondissement. From breakfast to a small cocktail enjoyed at the bar after a day of sightseeing, the establishment is an invitation to calm and rest, a stone's throw from the riches of Parisian and French heritage.
It is from here, after a good night's sleep, that our walk begins to discover the most beautiful bridges in Paris . Follow us !
On the way to the Bir-Hakeim bridge
Leaving the Bleu de Grenelle hotel, turn left and walk straight for 15 minutes (or take metro line 6), until the first bridge of our walk: the Bir-Hakeim bridge .
This first stop takes us past a two-story bridge , built during the 20th century, and more precisely in 1905. Formerly called Pont de Passy, it will be renamed Pont de Bir-Hakeim in 1949. Its name refers to a won battle by France on the Germans.
Spanning the Seine between the 15th and 16th arrondissements of Paris, this two-level bridge offers a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower . The first level is reserved for metro line 6, while the second level is dedicated to pedestrians, bicycles and cars.
Anecdote: from the center of the bridge, it is possible to access Swan Island using a small staircase.
Head to the Pont d’Iéna
Let's stay on the left bank of the Seine, and walk along the Quai Jacques Chirac to get to the Pont d'Iéna . Facing the Eiffel Tower, in the extension of the Champ-de-Mars park, this stone bridge, classified as a historic monument, connects the Iron Lady to the Trocadéro gardens.
Built during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte at the beginning of the 19th century, this stone bridge , 140 meters long and 35 meters wide, is a tribute to the victory of the French armies over Prussia. It is characterized by 5 arches, but above all by the imperial eagles decorating each pillar. We also discover 4 statues, built at the request of Louis Philippe, representing a Gallic rider, a Greek rider, a Roman rider and an Arab rider.
Offering a superb view of the Trocadéro and the Eiffel Tower , this bridge, classified as a historic monument, always attracts many visitors.
Good to know: if you want to discover pretty views of the Iron Lady, go to the Debilly footbridge , 600 meters further. Connecting the 7th and 16th arrondissements, this pedestrian bridge features a metal structure decorated with charming ceramic tiles.
Continue via the famous Alma bridge
Let's continue our walk to the intersection between the Quai Jacques Chirac and the Quai d'Orsay. Here is one of the most famous Parisian bridges, the Pont de l'Alma . Founded in 1854, under the orders of Napoleon III, this metal bridge is especially recognized for its statue of the zouave , which long served as a benchmark for the rising waters of the Seine (today the measurements are taken from the bridge of the Tournelle), but we can also distinguish 3 other statues: the Grenadier, the Artilleryman and the Foot Hunter.
It is also here that Princess Lady Diana lost her life in a car accident in 1997.
Bearing the name of the Emperor's first Crimean victory, this Parisian bridge provides access to Place de l'Alma, where we find the replica of the Statue of Liberty , built by Bartholdi.
Finish with the Alexandre III bridge
Now let's go along the Quai d'Orsay on the left bank, or the Conference port on the right bank, to reach the Alexandre III bridge . Inaugurated during the Universal Exhibition of 1900, this Parisian bridge connects the Invalides to the Petit Palais and the Grand Palais. Further on, we reach the most beautiful avenue in the world: the Avenue des Champs Élysées.
This metal structure, classified as a historic monument, is one of the most emblematic bridges in the capital . It is characterized by an immense metal arch, framed by two viaducts. But it is especially remarkable for its 4 large statues placed on either side of the bridge. Each monumental pylon, 17 meters high, is decorated at its top with a bronze representation of Pegasus , the divine winged horse. The 4 pylons represent the Fame of Arts, Commerce, Sciences and Industry.
The other bridges of Paris
All these bridges offer breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower , just a few steps from the Hôtel Bleu de Grenelle. But the City of Light has many other bridges, more or less old, more or less famous: the Pont des Arts, the Pont Neuf, the Pont Mirabeau, the Pont de la Concorde, the Pont Royal, the Pont de Grenelle, the Pont du Carrousel, the Saint Louis bridge, the Arts bridge...
Some of Paris's bridges are part of world heritage, while others contribute to the elegant charm of the French capital. Enjoy a stay at the Bleu de Grenelle hotel to discover all the Parisian bridges along the Seine.