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Linking Factors – Bridges
By Anil Gupta
Paris occupies a bowl hollowed out by the Seine, and the surrounding heights are considered to be the limits of the city. The river arches through the center of town, visiting 10 of the 20 districts. Entering the city at the southeast corner, it arcs northward and bends out of Paris at the southwest corner. As a result, what starts out as the east bank becomes the north bank and ends as the west bank, and the Parisians therefore adopted the simple, unchanging designation of Right and Left Bank.
At water level, 30 feet below street level, the river is bordered by cobbled quays graced with trees and shrubs. From street level another line of trees leans towards the water. Between the two levels, the retaining walls, usually made of massive stone blocks, are decorated with the great iron rings of a past ages commerce and sometimes pierced by mysterious openings (water gates for old palaces or inspection ports for subways, sewers and underpasses).
The bridges are very much a part of Paris and have, along with the monuments, has played its part to its astonishing wealth. Built along the axis created by the Seine River, Paris cannot live without them. Considered real monuments by some, representing great historical events, they are also crossing points and meeting places, strengthening the harmonious unity of the city. The 36 bridges are the soul of Paris, often places where one is happy to daydream and stroll around.
Pont Alexandre III built from 1896 to 1898 was inaugurated for the World Fair of 1900, with its single arch and sculptured decorations, the Pont Alexandre III is the most elegant bridge in Paris.
Pont des Arts constructed in 1804 is located next to the Louvre, at the tip of the "Ile de la Cite", this iron bridge initially built in 1804, was rebuilt in 1985.At present it makes a popular meeting place for artists and painters.
Pont Charles de Gaulle built from 1993 to 1996 is the new bridge which links the quai de la Rapee to the quai d'Austerlitz. It is made of fine metal in the shape of an aero plane wing.
Pont de la Concorde constructed in 1791 extends from place de la Concorde it offers a beautiful view of both the square and the Palais-Bourbon.
Pont Mirabeau built in 1893 was immortalized by Apollinaire, the Pont Mirabeau is indivisible from the name of the poet who loved the Seine and its bridges.
Pont-Neuf built in the period 1578/1604 is the oldest and the most famous of all Parisian bridges. A sumptuous architectural masterpiece formed by a segment of five and another seven arches, the Pont-Neuf has been a great success ever since it was built.
Pont Royal built in the year 1685 to 1689 was formally the place where Parisian festivities were held. It is, with the Pont-Neuf, one of the oldest bridges in Paris, closing the perspective of the Louvre baisin in a remarkable way.
Pont Sully constructed from 1874 to 1876 is a bridge is composed of two independent steel bridges extending from the end of "Ile Saint-Louis" to either side of the river. The bridge to the right bank (over the narrower branch of the Seine) includes a central 42-m cast-iron arch and two 15-m lateral semi-circular masonry arches.The bridge to the left bank (over the wider branch of the Seine) features three cast-iron arches (46-m, 49-m and 46-m).
Walking can be an enjoyable way to see any city. What better way to do it in Paris. Walk along the bridges of Paris and enjoy.
About the Author
Anil Gupta recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.fr/city/fr/paris.html?aid=305255 for more information on Paris hotels.
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