Pont de Bir-Hakeim

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The pont de Bir-Hakeim is located at the northern tip of the île aux Cygnes.

The pont de Bir-Hakeim, formerly the pont de Passy, is a bridge that crosses the Seine River in Paris, France. It connects the city's 15th and 16th arrondissements, and passes through the île aux Cygnes.

The bridge, made of steel, is the second to have stood at the site. It was constructed between 1903 and 1905, replacing an earlier bridge that had been erected in 1878. An arch bridge, it is 237 metres (777 ft) long and 24.7 metres (81 ft) wide.

The bridge has two levels: one for motor vehicles and pedestrians, and a viaduct above, through which passes Line 6 of the Paris Métro. The railway viaduct is supported by metal colonnades, except where it passes over the île aux Cygnes, where it rests on a masonry arch. Many commemorative plates decorate the viaduct bridge, including several dedicated to soldiers fallen in Belgium during the Second World War.

In addition, the central arch of the viaduct, at the level of the island, is decorated with four monumental stone statues in high-relief: figures of Science and Labor by Jules-Felix Coutan, and Electricity and Commerce by Jean Antoine Injalbert.

Originally named the Viaduc de Passy (after the former commune of Passy, which it reaches), it was renamed in 1948 to commemorate the Battle of Bir Hakeim, fought by Free French forces against the German Afrika Korps in 1942.

Line of street lights on the Pont Bir-Hakeim.

Many movies have featured this bridge including Zazie dans le Métro, Last Tango in Paris, and Inception.

Gallery

  • View of bridge from the island Île aux Cygnes.

  • The central arch with the statue "La France renaissante" of Holger Wederkinch.

  • The iron sculptures of Gustave Michel.

  • Subway crossing the Seine River on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim.

  • Night shot of the bridge and subway.

See also

Listing of the work of Jean Antoine Injalbert-French sculptor

Location

Bridge location on the Seine:

Bridge location
Downstream:
Pont Rouelle 		Upstream:
Pont d'Iéna
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Coordinates: 48°51′20″N 2°17′16″E / 48.85556°N 2.28778°E / 48.85556; 2.28778

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