The bridges of Paris are much more than a means of crossing from one bank of the Seine to the other, they're an integral part of Parisian life. Each one has its own history, its own atmosphere, its own life... just like all Parisian women. I love them and adore them. Here's a little song I wrote for you.
(Refrain:)
Under the bridges of Paris,
Parisian women dance, laugh, and sing
While upon them,
The tourists dream and take pictures.
On Wednesday afternoons,
Parisian kids
Fly across the pont d’Iéna
To play on the carousel by the Tour Eiffel.
My American friends
Stroll along the banks of the Seine,
It’s an unforgettable moment
Walking under the pont du Carrousel.
Since the Exposition Universelle of 1900,
The Paris smart set dances and twirls across
The pont Alexandre III
On its way to the Grand Palais.
Romantics from all over the world
Stroll hand in hand and in love,
Along the passerelle des Arts
To the Louvre.
Under the pont Saint-Louis
Between the Île Saint-Louis and the older Île de la Cité
My Italian friends
Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank.
The secret refuge of Parisian women
The Île aux Cygnes by the pont de Grenelle
Is where you find the mini Statue of Liberty,
Given to Paris by the American community.
Gaze upon the booksellers from the pont Royal,
A row of little green chests,
Forgotten novels or prewar newspapers,
Etching out a whole poem on the banks of the Seine.
On the pont de la Tournelle
Connecting the left bank to Île Saint-Louis
We hear the sound of happy music,
And see the twirling shapes of dancers and skaters.
History
“Let’s go down to the Seine. It’s a delightful river. You never tire of looking at it,” wrote Guillaume Apollinaire. That says it all!
