Pont Mirabeau at a glance
Connecting the 15th arrondissement of Paris, located on the Left Bank of the Seine, to the 16th arrondissement, the Pont Mirabeau offers a clear view of the Eiffel Tower and a pleasant walk along the river.
A historic landmark built during the presidency of Sadi Carnot, its name honors the nearby street, which itself commemorates the Provençal writer of the same name. Constructed between 1893 and 1896 by engineers Paul Rabel and Jean Resal, the structure was designed primarily for vehicle traffic, leading to the choice of an arched steel design. This architectural feat may remind you of the Pont Alexandre III in its profile. Note its substantial dimensions. The total length is 173 meters with a width of 20 meters. The main arch spans over 95 meters, while the two smaller arches measure nearly 35 meters each. Even the 12-meter roadway and the 4-meter wide sidewalks on either side are notable. At the time of its inauguration, it was the most impressive bridge in the French capital, drawing significant crowds. The aesthetic and symbolic details are equally distinct. The two piers are decorated to resemble boats. You can see elegant bronze statues by sculptor Jean-Antoine Injalbert. Appearing to emerge from the water, they represent Paris and navigation on one side, and abundance and commerce on the other.
Are you familiar with the poem by Guillaume Apollinaire that pays tribute to the site? "Under the Pont Mirabeau flows the Seine and our loves." Often adapted into song, the text is engraved on a plaque on the bridge, adding to its romantic reputation. The Pont Mirabeau is a popular spot for locals to watch the fireworks display on July 14.
If you love poetry, cross this bridge while reading the famous poem by Apollinaire, and watch the water flow beneath your feet!