Pont Alexandre III: Paris’s Most Beautiful Bridge Has a Secret Past
No other bridge in Paris captures the city’s golden-hour glow quite like the Pont Alexandre III. With its extravagant statues, sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower, and timeless elegance, this architectural jewel isn’t just a way to cross the Seine—it’s a moment. Whether you’re strolling from the Grand Palais to Les Invalides or pausing to photograph the gilded sculptures, the Alexandre III bridge invites you to slow down and see Paris through a more romantic lens.
A Bridge Between Two Worlds
Completed in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) – as was the Eiffel Tower -, Pont Alexandre III was a symbol of Franco-Russian friendship—named after Tsar Alexander III, whose son Nicholas II laid the foundation stone in 1896. Designed to connect the Champs-Élysées side of Paris to Les Invalides, the bridge is as much a feat of diplomacy as it is of design. Its low arch ensured unobstructed views of key landmarks, a bold technical accomplishment at the time.
The bridge was declared a historical monument in 1975, and today it stands as one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris—often photographed, rarely fully understood.
The Gilded Fames: Celebrating Female Allegories of Progress
Crowning each of the bridge’s four pylons are gilded bronze sculptures known as the “Fames,” each depicting a winged female figure restraining Pegasus, the mythical winged horse. These figures symbolize the domains of the Arts, Sciences, Industry, and Commerce—pillars of human achievement during the Belle Époque.
The choice to represent these domains with female figures is particularly noteworthy. In an era when women were largely excluded from these professional fields, these allegorical sculptures elevate feminine forms as embodiments of national progress and cultural identity. They stand as silent yet powerful testaments to the envisioned role of women as stewards of advancement and enlightenment.
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.
The Bridge in Context: A Theater of La Belle Époque
During the Belle Époque, Paris became a living gallery. Public monuments were designed to educate, inspire, and impress—and bridges like Pont Alexandre III were no exception. This period also coincided with increased access to education and the early waves of feminist discourse, particularly in intellectual circles on the Left Bank.
Though women were not yet widely included in the art academies or salons, these allegorical sculptures offer a sort of idealized feminine presence in spaces of power and knowledge. There’s something quietly radical about placing female figures at the apex of a bridge meant to showcase French achievement to the world.
A Favorite Backdrop for Romance (and Fashion Shoots)
There’s a reason Pont Alexandre III has graced so many films, fashion editorials, and wedding photos. It’s the perfect intersection of drama and grace. You’ll often find couples affixing love locks to the railings (though officially discouraged), or fashion shoots playing out in the golden hour.
And for those visiting Paris for the first time? It’s the kind of place that makes even a casual stroll feel cinematic. If you’re planning a romantic getaway, don’t miss my guide to the most romantic things to do in Paris for couples—Pont Alexandre III is just the beginning.
The Best Way to Experience Le Pont Alexandre III
To soak in the full effect of the Alexandre III bridge, start at the Petit Palais, walk across slowly, and linger at the center. From here, you’ll see:
- The Eiffel Tower rising behind the Seine
- Les Invalides glowing in the distance
- The Grand Palais to your right, glass domed and majestic
This is one of the most photogenic spots in Paris, but more than that—it’s a gentle reminder of why we fall in love with this city in the first place.
Quick Facts for the Curious
When was Pont Alexandre III built? Construction began in 1897 and the bridge was inaugurated in 1900.
What is it made of? A combination of steel and stone, with a single span arch to allow river traffic and preserve sightlines.
Where is it? It connects the 7th and 8th arrondissements, between the Champs-Élysées quarter and Les Invalides.
Are the golden statues 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 symbol of everything the city does best: culture, beauty, and storytelling. For anyone curating their own Parisian experience, this stop belongs at the top of the list. It’s not just about seeing Paris—it’s about seeing it in gold.
