Linking the Institut de France with the central square of the Palais du Louvre, the pedestrian-only Pont des Arts (Gallery I) is popular with strollers, people-watchers, artists and photographers. The original bridge, built in 1804, collapsed in 1979 after a barge slammed into it. It was rebuilt almost identically, with the same lace-like metal arches. Although it sometimes looks and feels like an outdoor art studio, the span’s name dates back to when the Palais du Louvre was known as the Palais des Arts. The neighboring Pont Neuf (Gallery III and seen beyond the boats) is actually the oldest standing bridge in Paris, dating back to the early 1600’s. But because it was new when it was built it was called the “New Bridge,” and the name has stuck for four centuries!
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The bridges of Paris: what's in a name?
Where did the bridges of Paris get their names? The Pont de Bir-Hakeim (Gallery II), for example. This ornamental double-decked bridge was originally called the Pont de Passy when it was built in the early 1900’s. But its name was changed in 1948 to memorialize a battle fought by Free French forces against Rommel’s Afrika Korps in Libya in 1942. And the opulent Pont Alexandre III (Gallery IV), built for the Universal Exposition of 1900, was named after a Russian Tsar to celebrate the Franco-Russian alliance of 1892. Alexander’s son, Nicolas II, actually laid the first stone for the bridge.
Paris wrap
Leaving Paris -- never easy, especially on a beautiful day after a too-brief stay. The highlight of this visit was definitely the site launch. Also did some day and night shooting (as always we’ll see how they come out -- one of the things I’m trying to get is a good shot of the Pont de Bir-Hakeim). Restaurant tip: Cinq Mars at 51 rue de Verneuil. A bientôt, Paris!
Musée du Luxembourg
Here’s a tip: if you want to see a great museum exhibition in 40 minutes or less, visit the Musée du Luxembourg on Rue de Vaugirard. It’s small and almost always has first-class shows. The current Vlaminck exhibit is no exception -- really wonderful. It’s drawing large crowds right now (best to go in late afternoon), but it runs through July 20 so there’s plenty of time.
The first entry
If anyone had told me that someday I’d have a website, I wouldn’t have believed it. But as of today I have a website! Welcome, and merci to my designer, creative director, and technical whiz Alex McClave -- actually it was Alex who conceived the whole project and made it happen. Coincidentally, as I write this I’m in -- guess where? We’re launching the site from from our favorite hotel in Paris, the Hotel Luxembourg Parc, on a clear, cold beautiful morning after a brisk walk in the Luxembourg Gardens. Stay tuned to this space for notes and random thoughts from my travels, and maybe the occasional piece of useful information.