A Stroll Down Pont Bir Hakeim

More famously known as the bridge featured in the movie “Inception,” Pont Bir Hakeim is one of my very favorite places in all of Paris.  It’s just west of the Eiffel Tower, making for some breathtaking views both day and night.  It’s also quite lovely in its own right, with hanging pendant lamps and arched steel beams lining both sides and a beautiful stone archway and viewing platform in the middle.  There’s also a small staircase in the center that leads down to a narrow strip of land right in the center of the river that has a quaint little garden.  I often see joggers down there at sunrise, taking in the glowing city as the sunlight hits the water and the quintessential French buildings lining the shores of the Seine.  In fact, it’s one of the only spots in Paris that is used by boats, cars, bikers, pedestrians, buses, and the Metro to cross the Seine.  It’s my favorite place for surprise proposals (particularly the spot pictured above), as it is fairly secluded and private but still has incredible views.  It’s also my daily commute to/from the Eiffel Tower, giving it special significance in my heart.  I’ll happily skip the Metro any day to take this walk.