Alexandre III Bridge and the Emblems of France

This article discusses the emblems present on the posts of the most beautiful bridge in Paris - the Alexandre III Bridge - and shares a little bit of the history of the French capital.

The more we know a city, the more we enjoy strolling through its streets. As we acquire a wealth of information, every little detail interests us and tells us a story.

I knew that the pillars supporting the lighting of the Alexandre III Bridge were decorated with the figure of a rooster. However, the other day I discovered that they have four decorative motifs.

One of them is the monogram of the French Republic.

The letters RF have long served as the logo of the country. They appear on the facades of numerous public buildings and in all official publications. The monogram can also be found on the reverse of one and two euro coins minted in France.

Another is the emblem representing Russia.

The Alexandre III Bridge was a gift from Tsar Nicholas II (son of Alexander III) to Napoleon III.

This emblem is ancient and was revived after the fall of the Soviet Union. The two heads of the eagle represent the Russian Empire, whose territory spans two continents: Europe and Asia. They also represent two powers: that of the tsar and that of the Russian Orthodox Church.

If the eagle symbolizes Russia - and represented France during Napoleon's time - it is the Rooster that has symbolized the French nation since ancient times.

We find it everywhere: on wrought iron gates, on public benches, and on the facades of buildings occupied by public administration.

The exclamation cocorico - pronouncing 'cocorico' - imitating the rooster's crow, is used as an affirmation of French patriotism. Why is the rooster the symbol of France? Besides being a beautiful animal that inspires respect for its bravery, it performs the noble task of waking the farmers in the early hours of the day. We have an article about this, click here.

The last emblem we find on the Alexandre III Bridge is the most well-known today.

During the terror attacks in Paris, the city's motto became globally recognized. Fluctuat nec mergitur - battered by the waves but does not sink - has been seen millions of times on social media. This is the coat of arms only of Paris, the City of Light. An ancient sailing vessel navigating through tumultuous waters is the central figure of the design. The lily flowers above symbolize royal power. The crown, reflecting the architecture of a fortress, reminds us of the city's medieval history.

To conclude, I don't know if you know this, but the term Hexagon is frequently used to refer to France. Its origin is the geographical shape of the country, an almost perfect hexagon. Three land borders and three sea borders.

The Hexagon also appears on one side of the one and two euro coins minted in the country.

When we are passionate about something, any reference we did not know about interests us. We are like this towards Paris.