The Île aux Cygnes: a path down the middle of the Seine
A two-level steel bridge, a tree-lined island, and a small Statue of Liberty with the Tower behind. This is a Claude-drafted route awaiting the editor's walk.

1. Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Start on the two-level steel bridge — road and pavement below, the elevated Métro on its arched ironwork above. Wait for a train to rumble over while you cross; it's the whole reason this bridge turns up in films.

2. Head of the Allée des Cygnes
Halfway across, steps drop to the island — a thin strip of land mid-river with a single tree-lined path running its full length. Take the steps down; almost everyone on the bridge walks straight past them.

3. The Allée des Cygnes
Walk the path downstream, river on both sides, the city sliding by on each bank. It's barely wide enough for the double row of trees, and on a weekday afternoon you might have it nearly to yourself.

4. Statue of Liberty replica
At the downstream tip stands a quarter-scale Liberty, given by the American community in Paris, facing west toward her larger sister in New York. Stand behind her and the Eiffel Tower lines up over your shoulder.

5. Pont de Grenelle
The bridge at the island's far end takes you back to the Left Bank. Cross here and walk south to the RER, or pick up the riverside path toward the André Citroën park if you want more water.

The Île aux Cygnes: a path down the middle of the Seine