The Charles de Gaulle Saxophone Bridge

The Charles de Gaulle Saxophone Bridge Hemis/Alamy

Spanning the river Meuse in Belgium, this charming bridge uses saxophones to pay tribute to each of the European countries within the European Union.

Installed in 2010, 28 saxophones adorn the Charles de Gaulle bridge. Painted in unique colors, one saxophone takes on the appearance of a basketball, another looks like a mermaid, while yet another depicts a castle and dragon. Each saxophone is placed in front of its respective flag, paying tribute to the country it represents.

Why saxophones? The savvy reader may ask. It was here, in the Belgium city of Dinant, that Adolphe Sax—the inventor of the saxophone—was born. Back in 1841, Sax invented the saxophone, which was one of many instruments he would go on to influence or create in his heydey. His first important invention was to improve upon the design of the bass clarinet.

Of course, the Charles de Gaulle bridge also pays tribute to the French general, for which it is named, who led the French resistance against Nazi Germany back in the 1940s.

Today, Belgium’s Charles de Gaulle remains a colorful and playful way to pay homage to two great men of the past and the unity of the European Union.

Know Before You Go

The Charles de Gaulle saxophone bridge can be found in the city of Dinant in Belgium. The bridge is located on Rue de la Station, near the Gare de Dinant train station by the river Meuse.