- History and visit Pont de l’Alma in Paris
- Curiosities Around Pont de l’Alma
- Transfer to the Pont de l’Alma in Paris
History and visit Pont de l’Alma in Paris
The Pont de l’Alma, situated in the Ile de France region, spans the Seine River as a road viaduct. This arc-shaped bridge, measuring 153 meters in length and 42 meters in width, was initially constructed between 1854 and 1856 and underwent a complete replacement between 1970 and 1974. It was the first of its kind to feature three curves when built in 1854. Architects such as Hyacinthe Gariel, PMG Lagalisserie, JF Cosne, C. Blanc, A. Arsac, and Mr. Dougnac played significant roles in its creation.
Positioned between the Invalides and Debilly bridges, the Pont de l’Alma connects Quai Branly in the 7th district to Avenue of New York in the 8th and 16th arrondissements. Named in memory of the 1854 Battle of Alma in Crimea, it was part of Baron Haussmann’s renovation of Paris, inaugurated by Napoleon III on April 2, 1856.
Originally, four soldier statues by Napoleon III adorned the bridge: a Zouave and a grenadier by Georges Diebolt, a hunter, and a gunner by Auguste Arnaud. After the bridge’s steel reconstruction, only the Zouave was returned to the bridge, while the other three were relocated to places like Bois de Vincennes, La Fere, and Dijon. The Pont de l’Alma is accessible via the Alma Marceau metro station.
Curiosities Around Pont de l’Alma
In the vicinity of Pont de l’Alma, visitors can discover a range of fascinating sites. The nearby Eiffel Tower offers breathtaking views of Paris, while the Musée du Quai Branly showcases indigenous art, cultures, and civilizations from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. The Flamme de la Liberté, a full-size replica of the Statue of Liberty’s flame, located near the bridge’s north end, serves as an unofficial Princess Diana memorial, marking the tunnel where she tragically passed away. These sites, along with the picturesque riverbank walks, provide a rich cultural experience near the Pont de l’Alma.
Transfer to the Pont de l’Alma in Paris
Located centrally in Paris, the Pont de l’Alma is 19.3 km from Orly Airport, 30.5 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport, and 87.6 km from Beauvais Airport. This convenient location makes the bridge easily accessible for travelers arriving from these airports.