The gilded Pegasus groups
Four gilt-bronze Fames restraining winged horses atop 17-metre towers — they catch the sun from every corner of the city.
Jebulon — CC0 · Agence Rol. Agence photographique (commanditaire) — Public domain · Agence Rol. Agence photographique (commanditaire) — Public domain · Agence Rol — Public domain
Paris has thirty-seven bridges over the Seine, and only one everybody agrees is the most beautiful: Alexandre III, the Franco-Russian alliance's gift, opened for the 1900 World's Fair and named for the Russian tsar. A single low steel arch crosses the river lightly, topped by ranks of copper lamp-posts and guarded at both ends by four stone towers crowned with gleaming gilded Pegasus horses. Every centimetre is ornamented: bronze river nymphs at mid-span, garlands along the arches, winged lions at the approaches — the apex of Parisian Beaux-Arts style and the most filmed, wedding-shot, photo-shooted bridge in existence. Its position is a gift in itself: it links the Invalides esplanade to the Grand and Petit Palais, so you cross it en route between them and collect two views from the middle — the Eiffel Tower west, the Conciergerie east. Sunset here, when the gold ignites above the towers, is one of Paris's cheapest and grandest moments.
Four gilt-bronze Fames restraining winged horses atop 17-metre towers — they catch the sun from every corner of the city.
From the middle: Eiffel Tower and golden dome one way, the Île de la Cité the other — the photo spot that never disappoints.
At mid-arch on either face, two bronze nymphs bear the arms of Paris and of Saint Petersburg — the alliance the bridge was born to seal.
From "Midnight in Paris" to Bond films to the 2024 Olympics — you'll recognise the bridge from the movies before your eyes confirm it.
Between Les Invalides and the Grand Palais, 75007/75008 Paris
Petit PalaisThe best cultural bargain in all Paris stands opposite the Grand Palais, and mos3 minutes walk4.6
Grand PalaisThe Grand Palais was built for the 1900 World's Fair "to the glory of French art4 minutes walk4.6
The Esplanade des InvalidesA wide rectangular green space running from the front of the Hôtel des Invalides4 minutes walk4.7
place de la ConcordeThe largest square in Paris, and the one with the greatest historical shiver: he8 minutes walk4.7
Musée de l'OrangerieIn the western corner of the Tuileries, inside a former royal orange-house, wait8 minutes walk4.5Looking for halal food near Pont Alexandre III? There are several options nearby, from Moroccan and Indian kitchens to quick casual spots and places with a view. Confirm the halal status and opening hours before you go — these can change.
New JawadHalalNew Jawad is an Indo-Pakistani restaurant on Avenue Rapp, a short walk from the 13 minutes walk · $$$4.4
Ministry of SpiceHalalModern halal Indian cooking, the sit-down option for an unhurried dinner. About 17 minutes walk · $$$
Berkeley GardenHalalHalal Indian cooking that suits families and group dinners, about eight minutes'11 minutes walk · $$$
Snack&RushHalalHalal fast food at budget prices, about five minutes' walk from the tower. The m21 minutes walk · $
NouraHalalNoura is not a discovery; it is the institution every Arab visitor to Paris has 15 minutes walk · $$$4.5
Paris Marriott Champs-ÉlyséesThe Paris Marriott Champs-Élysées is one of a very small number of hotels with a13 minutes walk · $$$4.4
Four Seasons George VThe George V is the benchmark the rest of luxury Paris is measured against. It o14 minutes walk · $$$$4.9
Prince de GallesThe Prince de Galles is a direct neighbour of the George V on the same avenue, b14 minutes walk · $$$$4.4Make it your crossing between Les Invalides and the Grand/Petit Palais, or the riverside finale of a Champs-Élysées stroll — crossing it IS visiting it.
From the lower quay on the Grand Palais side you frame the whole bridge with the golden dome and Eiffel Tower behind — the angle travel magazines choose.
It honours Tsar Alexander III, who sealed the Franco-Russian alliance of 1892; his son Nicholas II laid the foundation stone — 19th-century diplomacy immortalised in steel and gold.