PONT ALEXANDRE-III

On one side, the Invalides; on the other, the Grand and Petit Palais... a breathtaking perspective! This Parisian edifice bears the name of the authoritarian Tsar Alexander III. It was his son, Nicholas II, who laid the foundation stone during his trip to France in 1896. Built on the eve of the First World War, the bridge quickly became a symbol of Franco-Russian friendship, as well as of France's power, wealth and know-how. Inaugurated on the occasion of the 1900 Universal Exhibition and classified as a historic monument since 1975, it is now an inseparable part of the Parisian landscape. Comprising a single 107.50-metre steel arch framed by two viaducts, the bridge is distinguished by its extensive Louis XIV-style decoration. Two imposing 17-metre-high pylons have been erected on either side of the bridge. At the top, majestic rearing pegasuses represent the Renommée des Arts, des Sciences, du Commerce et de l'Industrie; at the base, statues of seated women pay tribute to the greatness of France at different periods in its history (Middle Ages, Renaissance, under Louis XIV and modern France). Various groups in bronze or copper complete this grandiose ensemble: Amours supporting the four lampposts, four genii with fish and shells, Nymphs of the Neva with the arms of Russia and Nymphs of the Seine with the arms of Paris. Finally, 32 elegant bronze candelabras illuminate the whole. A masterpiece!