The Bir-Hakeim Bridge was originally meant to be a simple pedestrian footbridge, but was transformed into a two-level structure capable of handling the Metro and cars in addition to pedestrians. The first iron bridge built on this location, called the Viaduc de Passy, was originally erected for the 1878 Universal Exposition. In 1902, a new bridge was built to replace the footbridge, with the ambitious purpose of simultaneously accommodating railway, road and pedestrian traffic.

This 257 meter double bridge was a true technological challenge at the time. Designed by Louis Biette, the bridge’s length is formed from two unequal iron beams, supported by the Ile des Cygnes (Swan Island). On the lower level, the bridge provides automotive traffic and pedestrians, while the upper level is reserved for the Metro.

Architect Jean-Camille Formigé (the decorator of the Viaduc d’Austerlitz) had the allegorical sculptures ‘Nautes’, ‘Forgerons-Riveurs’, ‘Seine’, ‘Work’, ‘Electricity’, and ‘Commerce’ by sculptors Michel, Injalbert and Coutan, rub elbows with the abundant Art Nouveau decoration, a style that had virtually disappeared at the time of the bridge’s consolidation, between 1930-1940.

In 1949, the bridge was renamed Bir-Hakeim, in memory of the June 1942 battle in Libya, where the free French forces defeated the Germans. The bridge is now on the supplementary list of historical monuments.