About
The Bir-Hakeim Bridge crosses the Seine between the 15th and 16th arrondissements of Paris, linking the two banks with a two-level steel arch. It is a place many visitors come to for one reason above all: the view of the Eiffel Tower, which rises a short distance downstream and is among the most photographed angles in the city.
What to look for
- The steel arch. The bridge's structure and sculpted details reward a slow look, especially from the riverbanks below.
- The Metro viaduct. The elevated track of Metro Line 6 runs along the bridge, adding a distinctive layer to the scene.
- The tower view. Looking toward the Eiffel Tower across the water is the reason most people stop here.
When to go
The bridge is known as a favourite of photographers and filmmakers, and it is at its most atmospheric at sunrise or dusk, when the light softens across the river and the tower. A quiet walk along the Seine at either end of the day suits a visit well.
The area around it
The bridge sits within easy reach of the riverside paths of the Seine and of the Eiffel Tower's surroundings, so a stop here fits naturally into a walk through the western part of central Paris. Those who want to combine it with other sights will find the riverbanks, the neighbourhoods on either bank and the wider city close by.