One rainy day, I went looking for the well known  “secret passage” to the Musée d’Orsay from the right bank (rue de Rivoli).

Envisioning an under-the-Seine walkway, I discovered that the passage was landlocked and that it began in the Jardin des Tuileries and led to the Solférino footbridge.

When you look for it, have your back to the Place Vendôme, face and enter the gardens; this is the easiest way to find the passage. Walk past the chestnut (marron) trees toward the Seine.

Initially, a one-year controversy surrounded the opening of the renovated bridge, i.e., its slippery boards during a rain were a liability. This is no longer a problem. This is strictly a pedestrian bridge and offers two fabulous Seine-related photographic possibilities. This is also your best bet to avoid the Paris traffic and visit the Orsay museum.

Passage hours: 0700-2030-summer; 0730-1900-winter. Entry to Jardin des Tuileries is between metro stops Concorde and Tuileries. For more information on the Solférino bridge:

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m3575/1250_209/74929074/p1/article.jhtml   

   http://www.archimetal.com/British/default.htm