Pont des Amours (Bridge of Love), Annecy (must see)

Some say the Public Gardens Footbridge was built simply to connect the Plaquier to the Gardens of Europe. So, why does everyone call it the "Bridge of Love"? There is a popular legend that if two lovers meet in the middle of the bridge and kiss they will stay together forever. Cynics claim it is a favorite place for ladies of the night.

Located on the shores of Lake Annecy by the Vasse Canal, it does provide easy access to the gardens for couples looking for serenity. Whatever the legend, the bridge, to this day, is more than a busy walkway. It is a romantic passage to a trusted trysting place with captivating views of the city, the mountains and the lake.

The first footbridge plans to connect the Lombard Clos (now the Gardens of Europe) with the Plauier esplanade were put forward in 1836. In 1845 Charles-Albert, the King of Piedmont-Sardinia, came to call and a wooden bridge was erected so spectators could view the light show over the canal. The King liked it too.

In 1859 another footbridge replaced the the wooden one. It had three cast iron arches installed by Clude Grandchamp and it was called "public garden footbridge." It was an improvement and it was durable but too low to accommodate boat traffic and it was high maintenance.

At last, in 1907, the city replaced the cast iron bridge with a new iron construction by architect Gaspard Fruauf.

On one side see an esplanade lined with trees. On the other a crystal alpine lake framed by rugged mountains. On a clear summer day people line the rail, enjoying the view of the lake and canal. In Autumn, on a rainy day, the bridge belongs to oneself. The views are fantastic in a different way and thoughts are one's own.