There’s no denying it, Paris is an absolutely beautiful city. There are beautiful fountains to cool off in, bucolic streets, charming passageways… There’s beauty wherever your eyes take you! The capital also hides some splendid statues that you can admire free of charge. Here are the best ones!
The equestrian statue of Henri IV
Inaugurated in 1818, this bronze statue depicts Henri IV in armor. The latter is crowned with laurel and holds a scepter with fleur-de-lis, representing French royalty. It features two bas-reliefs: one depicting the King entering Paris, and the other showing the monarch bringing supplies into Paris. You can admire the statue on the Pont Neuf, behind the Place Dauphine!
Joan of Arc statue
Created by Emmanuel Frémiet and unveiled in 1874, this gilded bronze statue depicts Joan of Arc on horseback, brandishing her standard. It is located in the center of the Place des Pyramides, close to where Joan of Arc is said to have been wounded during her attempt to take Paris. It was also classified as a historic monument in 1992.
Le Passe-Muraille
It’s certainly one of the most surprising! Erected in 1989 by Jean Marais as a Tribute to writer Marcel Aymé. It represents the character of his eponymous short story, a man who can walk through walls, frozen in the rock in the middle of an act! If you’re visiting Montmartre, this is a must-see.
The Centaur Nessus abducting Déjanire
This marble statue by Laurent-Honoré Marqueste depicts the centaur Nessus abducting Déjanire, one of Hercules’ wives. The detail of this statue is absolutely remarkable: the Centaur seems almost alive! It is located in the magnificent Jardin des Tuileries.
Freedom illuminating the world
This little sister of the Statue of Liberty is an exact replica of its twin in New York (minus the dimensions, of course). Située sur l’île aux Cygnes, elle fait face à l’ouest, en direction de sa grande sœur américaine.
The statues on the Musée d’Orsay forecourt
Rodin’s The Thinker
This famous bronze statue by Auguste Rodin, created in 1904, depicts a man in meditation, seated on a rock. It is on display in the gardens of the Musée Rodin.
The Lion of Belfort
This imposing Lion statue, created by Auguste Bartholdi in 1879, commemorates the heroic resistance of the town of Belfort during the Franco-Prussian war. It is a replica (reduced to a third) of the Lion engraved in the rock at Belfort. Listed as a historic monument since 2003, you can admire it from every angle on Place Denfert-Rochereau.