On July 16, 2023, Jane Birkin passed away at the age of 76. The legendary British-born artist, who made Paris her adopted home, left behind a wealth of iconic songs and numerous films. This Saturday, December 13, 2025, the City of Paris will pay tribute to Jane Birkin by naming a bridge over the Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement in her honour. The bridge, connecting quai de Valmy to quai de Jemmapes, is located precisely in front of numbers 41-43 on quai de Valmy, at the corner of rue Léon Jouhaux.
The City of Paris announced that the opening of this pedestrian bridge, renamed the Jane Birkin, will be attended by Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon, Jane Birkin's daughters, as well as Alexandra Cordebard, the mayor of the 10th arrondissement.
Did you know that this footbridge, built in 1860 and recognized as the oldest on the Canal Saint-Martin, was originally known as the “Customs Bridge”? Its name reflected its proximity to what was then the Customs Street (now Léon Jouhaux Street) and the former Customs administration site.
Starting this Saturday, December 13, 2025, the footbridge will officially be renamed "Jane Birkin Bridge," following the Paris City Council's decision made in July. This move is part of the city's efforts to honor notable figures in theater and film, as outlined in a press release: "The memorial policy of the City of Paris to pay tribute to nine renowned actresses from theater and cinema, each of whom has had a bridge along the Canal Saint-Martin named after them, which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year."
This is an opportunity to pay tribute to a true icon of French music and cinema. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Jane Birkin has starred in nearly 100 films, including classics like "La moutarde me monte au nez" (1974), "La Course à l'échalote" (1975), "Sept morts sur ordonnance", and the poignant "Jane B. par Agnès V." (1988). Her final appearance was in the documentary "Jane par Charlotte", directed by her daughter, Charlotte Gainsbourg. Jane Birkin also released fourteen studio albums, the last being "Oh! Pardon tu dormais" (2020), a collaboration with Etienne Daho and Jean-Louis Piérot, marking the end of her illustrious recording career.
