Paris Honors Jane Birkin with Canal Saint-Martin Bridge Renaming
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Paris, France – December 15, 2025 – A beloved Parisian landmark now bears the name of the iconic singer, actress, and style muse, jane Birkin. This weekend, the city officially dedicated the “passerelle Jane Birkin,” formerly known as the “passerelle des Douanes,” a historic footbridge spanning the Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement. The renaming ceremony served as a poignant tribute to Birkin, who passed away in July 2023 at the age of 76. The Guardian reported extensively on her passing and subsequent outpouring of grief.
A Legacy Etched in Stone and Song
The footbridge, one of the oldest crossings of the Canal Saint-Martin, now stands as a permanent memorial to Birkin’s enduring influence on French culture. Her daughters, Charlotte gainsbourg and Lou Doillon, delivered heartfelt speeches during the ceremony, sharing personal memories and celebrating their mother’s artistic contributions. A newly unveiled sign identifies Birkin simply as “singer, actress, director,” encapsulating the breadth of her talent.
The canal Saint-Martin area,known for its bohemian atmosphere and picturesque waterways,was a frequent haunt for Birkin,further solidifying the bridge’s symbolic connection to her life. The area continues to be a vibrant hub for artists and creatives,echoing the spirit Birkin embodied.
Jane Birkin: A Cultural Icon
Born in London in 1946, Jane Birkin became a defining figure in French New Wave cinema and a global fashion icon. Her collaboration with Serge Gainsbourg, especially their controversial 1969 song “Je t’aime… moi non plus,” propelled her to international fame. Beyond her musical achievements, birkin starred in numerous films, including Michelangelo Antonioni’s “Blow-Up” (1966) and Agnès Varda’s “Le Cléo de 5 à 7” (1962).
Birkin’s influence extended to the world of fashion, most notably through the Hermès Birkin bag, named in her honor after a chance encounter with the brand’s then-chairman, Jean-louis Dumas, on a flight in 1984. Hermès details the story of the bag’s creation on their official website. The bag quickly became a status symbol and remains one of the most coveted luxury items globally.
Key Facts About Jane Birkin
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | December 14, 1946, London, England |
| Died | July 16, 2023, Paris, France |
| Notable Songs | “Je t’aime… moi non plus,” “Di doo Dah,” “Ex Fan des Sixties” |
| Notable Films | “Blow-Up,” “le Cléo de 5 à 7,” “Death on the Nile” |
| Legacy | Iconic singer, actress, fashion muse, and the namesake of the Hermès Birkin bag. |
Passerelle des Douanes
Past Background of the Passerelle des Douanes (Now Passerelle Jane Birkin)
the footbridge spanning the Canal Saint‑Martin, originally known as the Passerelle des Douanes, was constructed in 1905 as part of the extensive urban works carried out under the direction of the French engineering firm Félix Chazelle & Cie. Its name reflected the bridge’s proximity to the former customs (douanes) warehouses that lined the canal’s southern bank, a hub for grain and timber shipments during the early 20th century.
Built in the Art‑Nouveau style prevalent at the time, the structure features wrought‑iron lattice work, ornamental lamp posts, and a modest wooden deck that has been refurbished several times (notably in 1978 and again in 2004) to meet modern safety standards while preserving its historic aesthetic. The bridge measures 70 m in length and 3 m in width, providing a vital pedestrian link between the 10th arrondissement’s Rue de Lancry and the bustling Quai de Jemmapes.
during the post‑World‑War II era,the Canal Saint‑Martin area evolved into a bohemian enclave,attracting artists,musicians,and writers. The Passerelle des Douanes became a symbolic crossing for the creative community, a fact that later made it an apt choice for commemorating Jane Birkin-whose frequent walks along the canal cemented her personal connection to the locale.
In December 2025, the Paris City Council, under Mayor anne Hidalgo, officially renamed the bridge “Passerelle Jane Birkin.” The decision was formalized through an amendment to the municipal “Répertoire des Noms de Voirie” and was celebrated with a public ceremony attended by Birkin’s daughters, cultural officials, and representatives from the heritage preservation agency Monuments Historiques.
Key Facts & Timeline
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