If you've ever seen a film set in Paris, which you probably have, then chances are you've seen shots of the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. Inception, for example... The central part of the bridge, under the viaduct, lends itself well to photos and film shoots.
This summer, the Bir-Hakeim bridge is getting a facelift, with new masonry and a good coat of paint to restore it to its former glory. Like other bridges in Paris, such as the Pont de l'Alma and the Pont Alexandre III, the Pont de Bir-Hakeim was built for the Universal Exhibition of 1878. The first version of the bridge, at least: a metal footbridge, the Passerelle de Passy.
In 1902, the bridge was rebuilt after an architectural competition was organized and won by engineer Louis Biette and architect Jean-Camille Formigé. The idea was to enable not only pedestrians, but also cars and the metro to pass over the new bridge. Indeed, since the end of the 19th century, the metro had been developing in Paris, and a viaduct was built over the new bridge to accommodate metro line 6.
The architect and engineer designed one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris. The Pont de Bir-Hakeim is a two-storey structure: one for pedestrians, bicycles and cars, the other for the metro. Cast-iron statues by Gustave Michel (the Nauts and the Blacksmiths) adorn the stone piers, while four allegories (Science, Work, Electricity and Commerce) adorn the central masonry arch. The curved columns supporting the metro tracks are inspired byArt Nouveau.
In June 1942, the bridge then known as the Viaduc de Passy was renamed the Pont de Bir-Hakeim in memory of the Free French Forces' victory in Libya in 1942.
A stroll along the Seine to theÎle aux Cygnes is possible from the middle of the bridge, thanks to the staircases leading down to it. And don't forget that the Pont de Bir-Hakeim offers an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower: the perfect spot from which to admire Paris's most popular events, including the July 14th fireworks display!
