Thursday, October 23, 2008

Could this be the most romantic spot in the world?

Could this possibly be one of the world's most romantic spots? I think it may be! I dream of going back to Paris it's almost an ache that fills my dreams. I was watching the Henri de Toulouse~Lautrec movie (from the 60's, it made me cry) and a scene had this magnificent bridge in it. I couldn't help but to close my eyes and picture the last time I stood on that very bridge. It was a very cold day and I knew I was coming home to the States in less than a week so I tried to get a glimpse of as much as could.I tried to savor the memory, the taste, the feel, the sounds, & the smell of these incredible places and people I had been so lucky to be in the presence of for the last 3 years. Basically, I remember saying goodbye to Paris on this bridge :(
Paris is such a remarkable city with so much of it's emphasis on the river Seine. The river defines much of the city. It divides the city in half, the Right bank & the Left bank, distances are measured from it, street numbers determined by it, the quays are lined with striking apartments, monuments, & museums. The city relies heavily on this river. Of all of its' great uses, however, my personal favorite aspect would have to be the bridges. Asking me to pick my favorite bridge would be like asking a mother to pick her favorite child! I love them all! They all lead to someplace more magnificent & magical than the last, they all have some sort of story, they all serve a great purpose and many have been here for centuries.


I do, however, have a personal love affair with the Pont Alexandre III. I know, I know it's so Paris cliche, but I can't help it! It's magic! Absolutely breathtaking. It takes on different personalities throughout the day and with the change in seasons & weather. It is passionate, torrid, romantic, sexy, beautiful, sad, hopeful, luxurious, & all of the other emotions that its' pedestrians feel on it.
A bit of history on this romantical structure...
It is Art Nouveau in it's decoration of nymphs, cherubs, winged horsed, bountiful flowers, and torches. It was built between 1896 ~ 1900 just in time for the famed Universal Exhibition. It was built to celebrate the ratification of the Russian~French alliance and named after Tsar Alexandre III. His son lay the foundation cornerstone.
The bridge connects the Champs~Elysees quarter to Les Invalides quarter. The statues on the two support pillars on the Right bank symbolize medieval France & modern France while the statues on the Left bank represent Renaissance France & the country in the time of the Sun King. There are also symbols representing Russia, the Seine, & Neva.

Like I mentioned above, I saw this bridge in the Toulouse~Lautrec movie & I was thinking "What other movies have I seen this bridge in"? I think I have also seen it in Anastasia, & a Gene Kelly movie that I can't place right now could it have been An American in Paris? I'm not sure. What movies have you seen it in? I would love to hear! If you get a chance, visit this amazing bridge for me & share a kiss with your sweetie on it!
Goodbye all! & ...

Bisou Mon Amis!

All images from Flickr
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7 comments:

  1. I am being tortured alive!!! I love the photos & I love all of you who also share in my passion and adoration for and of Paris!!
    Great post once again... I always come back for more, I can't help myself!

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  2. FABULOUS post! I LOVE Paris! The bridges are REMARKABLE! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... how I wish I were there NOW!

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  3. The Pont Alexandre deserves EVERY BIT of attention it gets!!! Seeing it for the first time is unforgettable. Imagine such a beauty being a part of your everyday life! I'll be thinking of Paris all day today!

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  4. The Pont Alexandre deserves EVERY BIT of attention it gets!!! Seeing it for the first time is unforgettable. Imagine such a beauty being a part of your everyday life! I'll be thinking of Paris all day today!

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  5. Great images of Paris. It's also my favorite city. I can never get enough of it. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  6. Paris is absolutely beautiful! The art and architectures are most overwhelming......but don't make up your mind about the most romantic place on earth until you go to VENICE :)

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  7. Beautiful!! I am planning a trip to Paris early next year!! Like you I have a passion for France & my heart aches too...sigh... Amanda x

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