Pont de l’Alma (Alma’s bridge) Paris – A Gateway to Seine River Cruises
Pont de l'Alma (Alma's bridge) is also among the most popular bridges in Paris with a very interesting history and some fascinating stories. It is also the starting point for most of the Seine Cruises in Paris. Below is everything you need to know about the iconic bridge in Paris.
- By: Ryan Mitchell
Among Paris’s many iconic landmarks, Pont de l’Alma (Alma’s bridge) is one that represents both tragedy and beauty. The renowned bridge is steeped in history and has also become a top spot for both tourists and locals.
Apart from its historical significance and architectural beauty, Pont de l’Alma is also a major point of departure for many Seine River cruises, offering an interesting and enchanting way of exploring the city of Paris from a new perspective.
Seine Cruise departing from Pont de l'Alma
Pont de l’Alma’s central location in the city and convenient access to famous monuments like Eiffel Tower, make Pont de l’Alma the ideal point of departure for Seine River cruises. Several companies, led by Bateaux Mouches, run various type of cruises from short sightseeing cruises to dinner cruises on Seine under the lights of Paris in the evenings.
The best Seine Cruise departing from Pont de l'Alma
Here are some of the best and most popular Seine River Cruise departing from Pont de l’Alma:
Pont de l’Alma - History and Construction
Pont de l’Alma, or the “Soul Bridge ” was originally built in 1854 during Napoleon IIIs reign. The brilliant French master engineer Gustave Eiffel, who went on to create the Eiffel Tower, designed this huge Parisian landmark. The main purpose of Pont de l’Alma was to accommodate the increasing traffic needs of the growing metropolis and provide a connection between the Right Bank and Left Bank of the Seine River.
The name “Pont de l’Alma” originates. The name comes from an event that has come to be known as the Battle of Alma which had happened in the year 1854 in the Crimean War. Ironically the time it happened is when the bridge was actually completing its work. The title of the bridge is in homage to the success with British and Ottoman allies against, the Russian Empire in said battle.
Architectural Elegance
Pont de l’Alma exhibits the architectural mastermind of its architect Gustave Eiffel. The bridge is a gem of an ancient-fashioned French stone bridge with five lovely arches and dainty wrought-iron balustrades. The arches have a smooth outline, prettily reflected in the serene waters of the Seine. By walking or driving across the bridge, visitors are welcomed with marvelous sights of the city that surrounds them, with iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Les Invalides.
Pont de l’Alma was substantially remodeled in 1970 in order to absorb the expanding amount of vehicle traffic. Alongside the rebuild, the former parapet built from stone was swapped for its existing rail framework, featuring four classic, gold statues located atop every corner post on the bridge. Each set of four depicts cherubic persons holding lamps with soft, yellow lights emitted throughout the nighttime, making the structure all the more elegant and aesthetically appealing.
Cultural Significance
Since its building, Pont de l’Alma has been closely associated with cultural allusions and incidents. Apart from the Battle of Alma being commemorated, the bridge has played a role when it saw World War II through the occupation and liberation of Paris by the Allied powers. It has also discovered its place in literature, music and movies securing it in people’s memory.
Perhaps the most moving moment in the bridges history occurred in 1997 when it became a venue for international mourning. On the 31st of August, Princess Diana perished in a car accident within the Pont de l’Alma tunnel which runs beneath the bridge. The world was collectively saddened by the loss. In memory of the deceased Princess, a replica of Statue of Libertys flame named the Flame of Liberty was placed above the entrance, to the tunnel as an unofficial memorial.
Modern-Day Attraction
Today, Pont de l’Alma is a local and tourist favorite. The bridge’s strategic positioning and stunning views attract visitors looking to experience the romance and mystique of Paris. Locals also go to the bridge to take strolls, have picnics, and appreciate the scenic beauty of the Seine and the city highlights.
As the evening sets in, Pont de l’Alma is set in a fairy-tale landscape, with lights in the distance twinkling on the Eiffel Tower and golden statues giving off their warm glow. Couples walk on the bridge to steal a peek, and it has become the go-to destination for proposals and declarations of love.
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We are a group of travelers who love to explore and write about Paris. Over the years, we have gained extensive experience with cruising on the Seine River in Paris. Here, you could find all the essential information you need to know about Seine River cruises, including the different types of cruise, prices, tickets, operating hours, departure points, and many more. Bon voyage!