Beautiful Paris Bridges

My son has recently been learning about Paris bridges. He has had to learn all manner of small detailed facts about how many there are (37), which is the oldest (Le Pont Neuf), what are they made out of...etc. etc. This information, which he had to learn off by heart of course, coincided with me getting a job on the *other* side of the river from where we live, the rive gauche. I've been crossing the Seine once a week, with bridges on the brain.

I cross town to what feels like another world, the 6eme arrondissement, to teach at a design school. I usually go by metro but then return home by a mixture of walking and cycling ('Velib-ing). This walk/cycle, allows me to savour the beautiful city I live in from another view point. There really is nothing quite like crossing the Seine to make you appreciate how grand and spectacular Paris is. Long visitas. Big skies.

We used to live near the Bastille, by the canal that connects Place de La Bastille and la Seine, Le Bassin de l'Arsenal. We were always very aware of the water level since we were so close to the river and the canal would change colour as the water level of the river rose. Up in Montmartre we are less in-tune with the water level so I was surprised when I crossed the Pont Royal back in February and saw this. 

A lone bench.

Looking back towards the Pont Royal on another evening, the Bateau Mouche looked like it may not squeeze underneath the bridge.

Some evenings I finished work later and saw the sunset.

I take different routes home. Here is a view of the Pont Neuf - the oldest bridge in Paris (1607), as seen from the Pont des Arts.

The Pont des Arts, from Pont du Carrousel.


I love the Pont des Arts, the metal structure looks so delicate, resting on the big solid stone footings.

And of course the crazy love-locks on the Pont des Arts get more numerous every time I cross the bridge.

Locks and shadows.

Here is a sketch I did many years ago of the Pont des Arts. Not a love-lock in sight back then.

Water colour and ink, by bbonthebrink.

Another Love-Lock post by bbonthebrink can be found here.

Paris Plages

Paris Plages is an annual summer event that has been active in Paris since 2002. The roads (les quais) that run along the Seine are closed to traffic and temporary beaches are opened to the public. This fabulous initiative was instigated by the Mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoë. It lasts for 4 weeks from about the 20th of July to the 20th August. Initially there was only one beach located on the Rive Droite between le Pont Neuf and the Pont de Sully. Since then, every year new plages have been added in different parts of Paris, including on the rive Gauche and along the canal at La Villette.

I'm a big fan of Paris Plages, it provides a beautiful location for people to enjoy Paris and get a holiday feel, without spending a fortune. All the activities along the Plage like pétanques, babyfoot, a pirate sandpit, a swimming pool (!!!), massages to name a few, are free for all, you just have to wait your turn. The first year it started we lived 5 minutes walk from the Plage, we went there daily, in the early morning for quiet strolls to admire the views, in the afternoon to enjoy the entertainment put on for kids, and in the early evening to enjoy a beer and a barquette de frites while admiring one of the best city views in the world. 

The other day when we went to Paris Plage we started at the western end.

We then headed eastward, the first stretch is sandy, with mattresses, deck chairs and sand-pit toys available to anybody who is there early enough.

I never noticed these rather scary carved stone heads on Pont Neuf before. 

They have palm trees the whole length of the Plage, to generate the beach holiday atmosphere.

We passed a rather impressive sand sculpture.

A pirate ship.

Back in 2007 they had a climbing wall for kids. It is no longer there, I think it maybe had something to do with a 2 and 1/2 year old being spotted leaping from a platform 5 metres up. Yes, that's our son, and yes I cried after he jumped, and no, he didn't cry.

For me, I think it's the views you get of Paris that I like best. Unexpected views from unusual angles. Here's the Eiffel Tower walking with lampposts.

Here is Notre Dame peeking out between apartment blocks.

Three bent trees.

The sun came out and the water sparkled.

Boats went by.

People lounged on bright green bean bags.

They have fine water spray jets to cool you down if it gets too hot.

Then of course there is the mandatory ice-cream stop.

Here is a view from Pont Marie.

And here is a view from Pont de Sully. 

Paris in your finger tips.

More information about Paris Plages can be found here on the Paris Plages website.

Cherubs, lampposts and golden horses vie for attention

The Pont Alexandre III bridge was built as part of the series of projects built for the Universal Exposition of 1900. Construction started in 1897 and was completed 3 years later. Components of the bridge were pre-fabricated in a factory and then brought to the site and assembled using a large crane. I have mentioned the amazingly over the top lampposts on Pont Alexandre III before. These ones. 

Viewed like this they look utterly extravagant. When you look more closely you realise the extravagance extends to the details.

I was rather taken with the lamppost's lion paw feet.

Not to mention this cherub surfing on a giant fish.

If you look closer still you see that somebody has attached one of the 'love locks' by the base of the fish.

People haven't been able to resist touching the cherub's toe.

At each end of the bridge are stone statues, often detailed with gold. 

The Eiffel Tower is vying for attention...."Coucou, don't forget me! I'm over here. Remember!"

And then of course there are the gold horses on top of the 17 metre high granite pillars. They have been gilded recently and shine beautifully as they catch the sun.

I can't help thinking this horse is also trying to get my attention..."Pick me, pick me!"