Pont Alexandre III: The Most Beautiful Bridge in Paris (History + Best Photo Spots)

No other bridge in Paris catches the city’s golden-hour glow quite like Pont Alexandre III. With its extravagant statues, sweeping views, and Belle Époque drama, it isn’t just a way to cross the Seine—it’s a cinematic pause button.

Whether you’re walking from the Grand Palais to Les Invalides, or you’re simply chasing that perfect Eiffel Tower angle, this is one of those places where Paris feels like Paris.

If you’re mapping out a first (or “I want it to feel like my first”) trip, you can easily pair this stop with a few others nearby—my 3–5 day Paris itinerary is designed exactly for that kind of flow.

A Bridge Between Two Worlds

Completed in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), Pont Alexandre III was a symbol of Franco-Russian friendship—named after Tsar Alexander III, with the first stone laid in 1896 by his son Nicholas II.

It was designed to connect the Champs-Élysées side of Paris to Les Invalides, and it did so with intentional theatricality: the bridge’s low arch was a bold technical decision at the time, made specifically to preserve uninterrupted views along the Seine.

In other words: it was engineered not only for traffic, but for wonder.

The bridge was later classified as a historical monument (inscribed/recognized as protected heritage), and today it’s one of the most photographed places in Paris—often captured, rarely fully understood.

The gilded “Fames” and the women Paris put on a pedestal

At each of the bridge’s four pylons, you’ll see gilded bronze sculptures known as the “Fames”—winged female figures restraining Pegasus, the mythical winged horse. Together they represent the four pillars of Belle Époque progress:

• Arts
• Sciences
• Industry
• Commerce

It’s hard not to notice the choice: these ideals are embodied as women—in an era when women were still excluded from most of those professional worlds. The sculptures are allegorical, yes, but they’re also strangely revealing: Paris placing femininity at the top of its story of modernity.

If you like this kind of “Paris isn’t just pretty, it’s coded” layer, you’ll probably also enjoy the story behind the city’s most famous nickname: How Paris Got Its Famous Nickname: The City Of Light.

Meet the Artists Behind Pont Alexandre III

The sculptures were crafted by renowned artists of the time:​

1. Emmanuel Frémiet
Frémiet was already a celebrated sculptor by the time he contributed to Pont Alexandre III. Best known for his iconic equestrian statue of Joan of Arc at Place des Pyramides, he had a long-standing interest in heroic female figures. His interpretation of the Fame of the Arts and Fame of the Sciences showcases strong, dynamic women—not passive muses, but commanding forces. His work reflects the 19th-century push toward monumental public art with both nationalistic and educational aims.

2. Pierre Granet
A lesser-known sculptor, Granet created the Fame of Commerce, evoking progress and prosperity. While he didn’t achieve the fame of his contemporaries, his contribution to Pont Alexandre III reflects the collaborative nature of Belle Époque design: each artist brought a piece of the puzzle, united by a vision of grandeur and harmony.

3. Léopold Steiner (and Eugène Gantzlin)
Steiner’s Fame of Industry was completed posthumously by Gantzlin. Steiner was more active in decorative arts and was influenced by the Art Nouveau movement, which had just begun gaining traction in France. You can see this in the sinuous lines and floral flourishes that add a certain softness to the strength of the piece.

Pont Alexandre III in context: Paris as a Belle Époque theater

During the Belle Époque, Paris styled itself as a living gallery. Bridges, façades, lampposts, and monuments weren’t only functional—they were educational, political, aspirational.

And Pont Alexandre III is practically a thesis statement from that era: it tells you what Paris wanted the world to believe in 1900—progress, beauty, craftsmanship, and confidence.

If you’re building a culture-heavy day around this area, these are easy additions that make the outing feel “complete” (not rushed):

• The Most Beautiful Paris Museums for Art and Design Fans
• The Best Museum Cafés and Restaurants in Paris 

A Favorite Backdrop for Romance (and Fashion Shoots)

Pont Alexandre III has appeared in countless films, editorials, and wedding shoots because it does two things at once:

• it’s grand (gold, scale, symmetry)
• and it’s soft (river light, views, stone details)

You’ll see couples lingering at the center, photographers circling for angles, and people trying to bottle a moment they can’t quite name.

If you’re planning a romantic trip, you can build a whole “Paris-at-its-most-Paris” day around this bridge.
Internal link: 10 Romantic Things to Do in Paris (+ Hidden Date Ideas) 

The best way to experience Pont Alexandre III (a simple, perfect mini-walk)

To soak in the full effect, do it like this:

1. Start at Petit Palais (or the Grand Palais side if you’re coming from Champs-Élysées)
2. Walk onto the bridge slowly and stop at the center
3. Turn your body—not just your camera

From the middle, you’ll catch:

• the Eiffel Tower rising behind the Seine
• Les Invalides glowing in the distance
• the Grand Palais / Petit Palais framing the scene like a set

This is one of the most photogenic places in Paris, yes—but it’s also a reminder of why the city doesn’t need to do much to feel like a movie.

If you’re staying nearby and want your days to feel walkable and effortless, I’d choose your base area strategically: Paris Neighborhoods: Where to Stay for An Epic Visit .

Best photo spots (so you don’t just get “a nice picture,” you get the picture)

• Center of the bridge, facing west for evening light
• On the Seine banks below (especially the right bank side for bridge symmetry)
• From the Grand Palais steps for a wide, postcard composition
• From the Invalides side for a cleaner skyline line

Best time to go: early morning for emptiness; late afternoon into sunset for glow.

FAQs About Pont Alexandre III

When was Pont Alexandre III built? 

Construction began in 1897 and the bridge was inaugurated in 1900.

What is Pont Alexandre III made of? 

A combination of steel and stone, with a single span arch to allow river traffic and preserve sightlines.

Where is Pont Alexandre III located? 

It connects the 7th and 8th arrondissements, between the Champs-Élysées quarter and Les Invalides.

Are the golden statues on Pont Alexandre III real gold? 

They are bronze, covered in gold leaf—restored regularly to maintain their luster.

Final Thoughts

Pont Alexandre III isn’t just a famous bridge in Paris—it’s a perfectly staged piece of Belle Époque storytelling. It exists to make you stop, look up, and remember that a city can be functional and extravagant, practical and poetic.

If you’re curating a Paris trip that feels romantic without being cliché, start here. Paris has plenty of beauty. This is the kind that’s also intentional.