The pedestrian bridge connecting Port Debilly to Avenue David Ben Gurion is the Passerelle Debilly. This elegant iron footbridge was built for the Exposition Universelle in 1900 by architects Jean Résal and Amédée Alby. It is a functional bridge and an architectural landmark visited by tourists and locals alike.
On any given day, you'll find people taking strolls, capturing photographs, or simply enjoying the view of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River. The bridge is often a venue for festivals and city events, becoming a dynamic part of Paris's urban life.
As for Avenue David Ben Gurion, it is named after Israel's first Prime Minister. Although Ben Gurion didn't have a direct connection to Paris like other figures commemorated in the city's street names might have, the naming honours the broader Franco-Israeli relationship and the role Ben Gurion played in the founding of Israel.
The bridge and the avenue serve as symbols of Paris's multifaceted history and connection to global events and figures, making it a microcosm of the city's rich cultural tapestry.
Start your hour-long exploration at Port Debilly. This port is positioned near Avenue de New York along the Seine and offers a splendid view of the Eiffel Tower. As you gaze at this iconic landmark, ponder some of its lesser-known facts, appreciating the complex history that adds depth to its towering silhouette.
From Port Debilly, approach Rue Coqnacq Jay in the 7th arrondissement. Take a leisurely walk along this architectural blend of old and new. Look out for the building inscribed with "Dubinsky and Fidler Architects, 1950," paying homage to the contributions of the Russian community to the cultural tapestry of Paris.
Crossing the Seine, you'll reach Pont Alexandre III. Stand in the middle of this bejewelled bridge and take in the elaborate decorations that capture Franco-Russian friendship. Notice the Grand Palais and Petit Palais in the distance, symbols of Paris's artistic heritage.
Conclude your journey at Les Invalides on Avenue Maréchal Gallieni. Looking back, you'll appreciate the panoramic view of Pont Alexandre III, and perhaps you'll feel the deeper historical and cultural connections that make Paris a city like no other.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
