Lion of Belfort: Parisian Symbol of Resistance

A symbol of French resistance and artistic brilliance, the Lion of Belfort stands proudly in Place Denfert-Rochereau, Paris.

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Lion of Belfort

The Lion of Belfort in Paris is a smaller replica of the original monumental sculpture in Belfort, France, created by Auguste Bartholdi, who also designed the Statue of Liberty. Located in the center of Place Denfert-Rochereau, it commemorates the heroic French resistance during the Siege of Belfort in the Franco-Prussian War.

A brief summary to Lion of Belfort

2M Pl. Denfert-Rochereau, Paris, 75014, FR
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Local tips

Take a moment to appreciate the details of the sculpture and its powerful symbolism.
Visit the nearby Catacombs for a unique and historical underground experience.
Explore Place Denfert-Rochereau, a vibrant square with shops, cafes, and gardens.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Lion of Belfort is easily accessible via the Paris Metro and RER. Take Metro lines 4 or 6, or RER line B to Denfert-Rochereau station. Upon exiting the station, the Lion of Belfort is located in the center of Place Denfert-Rochereau. A single Metro or RER ticket costs €2.50.
Walking

From the Montparnasse area, walk south along Boulevard Raspail for approximately 20-25 minutes. Place Denfert-Rochereau will be on your left, with the Lion of Belfort in the center. No costs are involved.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Paris. A taxi from central Paris to Place Denfert-Rochereau typically costs between €9 and €11 and takes about 7 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi ranks are located near Denfert-Rochereau.

Discover more about Lion of Belfort

The Lion of Belfort, situated in Place Denfert-Rochereau in Paris's 14th arrondissement, is a striking sculpture that serves as a powerful reminder of French resilience. Created by Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the same artist who designed the Statue of Liberty, this copper statue is a smaller-scale replica of the original Lion of Belfort located in the city of Belfort in eastern France. The Parisian Lion, inaugurated in 1880, stands 4 meters high and 7 meters long, approximately one-third the size of its imposing counterpart. The sculpture commemorates the fierce resistance of the town of Belfort during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. Led by Colonel Aristide Denfert-Rochereau, the citizens of Belfort withstood a Prussian siege for an extended period, becoming a symbol of French courage and honor. Bartholdi depicted the lion as a powerful, yet weary figure, symbolizing the strength and tenacity of the French people in the face of adversity. Initially intended for the Buttes-Chaumont area, a petition from residents of the 14th arrondissement ensured its placement on Place Denfert-Rochereau, thus honoring Denfert-Rochereau's legacy. Over the years, the Lion of Belfort has become a beloved landmark, officially listed as a historical monument since 2003. Place Denfert-Rochereau itself is a significant crossroads, linking several major boulevards and avenues on Paris's Left Bank. The square also provides access to the Paris Catacombs, adding another layer of historical intrigue to the location.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Lion of Belfort

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A symbol of French resistance and artistic brilliance, the Lion of Belfort stands proudly in Place Denfert-Rochereau, Paris.

Pl. Denfert-Rochereau

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Discover the charm and historical significance of Pl. Denfert-Rochereau, a vibrant square in the heart of Paris, surrounded by culture and history.

4 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy

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Explore the historical significance of 4 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, a tribute to the French Resistance and a landmark of courage in Paris.

2 Av. du Général Leclerc

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Montparnasse

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Rue d'Alésia

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Gare Montparnasse

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Pl. Raoul Dautry

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Rue Saint-Jacques

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Statue de George Sand

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69 Bd Saint-Michel

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Fontaine de la Place de l’Estrapade

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Bd Saint-Michel

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Faune dansant

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Fontaine du Pot-de-fer

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Unmissable attractions to see

The Liberation of Paris Museum - General Leclerc Museum - Jean Moulin Museum

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Explore the profound history of the Liberation of Paris through the stories of General Leclerc and Jean Moulin at this engaging museum.

The Liberation of Paris Museum - General Leclerc Museum - Jean Moulin Museum

Abbé-Migne Square

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Experience tranquility at Abbé-Migne Square, a charming park in Paris perfect for relaxation and family outings amidst urban vibrancy.

avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy - 75014 Paris

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Discover the haunting beauty of the Catacombs of Paris, where history whispers through the bones of the past in this unique underground ossuary.

avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy - 75014 Paris

Regard XXV de l'aqueduc Médicis(tombeau de Cyrus)

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Regard XXV de l'aqueduc Médicis(tombeau de Cyrus)

Jardin de l'Observatoire de Paris

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Paris Observatory

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Hôtel de Massa

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Montparnasse Cemetery

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Graffiti Paris | Ateliers et Créations Street Art

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Graffiti Paris | Ateliers et Créations Street Art

La Closerie des Lilas

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Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde

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Jardin des Grands-Explorateurs

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Bobino

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Monument to Balzac

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Le Marché Saint Michel

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Essential places to dine

Le Ciel de Paris Restaurant

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Il était un square

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Latin Quartier

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La Table de Colette

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Restaurant Le Coupe-Chou

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Le Petit Prince de Paris

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Au Bistrot de la Montagne

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Le Bistrot Du Perigord

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Coco de Mer

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Aux Prés Cyril Lignac

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Sixième Restaurant / Il Sesto

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Côté Saint-Germain

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SHIRO | Restaurant Franco Japonais Fusion

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SHIRO | Restaurant Franco Japonais Fusion

Didon

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La Diva des Prés

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Explore a charming gift shop at Paris est toujours Paris SAINT MICHEL, where unique souvenirs and local artisan crafts await every traveler.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Le Requin Chagrin

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Mad Maker Pub

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La Grande Crèmerie

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Explore the exquisite wines and delectable French cuisine at La Grande Crèmerie, a must-visit wine bar and restaurant in Paris.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Lion of Belfort: Parisian Symbol of Resistance

A brief summary to Lion of Belfort

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Taxi

Unlock the Best of Lion of Belfort

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Discover more about Lion of Belfort

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Lion of Belfort

Pl. Denfert-Rochereau

4 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy

2 Av. du Général Leclerc

Montparnasse

Rue d'Alésia

Gare Montparnasse

Pl. Raoul Dautry

Rue Saint-Jacques

Statue de George Sand

69 Bd Saint-Michel

Fontaine de la Place de l’Estrapade

Bd Saint-Michel

Faune dansant

Fontaine du Pot-de-fer

Unmissable attractions to see

The Liberation of Paris Museum - General Leclerc Museum - Jean Moulin Museum

Abbé-Migne Square

avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy - 75014 Paris

Regard XXV de l'aqueduc Médicis(tombeau de Cyrus)

Jardin de l'Observatoire de Paris

Paris Observatory

Hôtel de Massa

Montparnasse Cemetery

Graffiti Paris | Ateliers et Créations Street Art

La Closerie des Lilas

Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde

Jardin des Grands-Explorateurs

Bobino

Monument to Balzac

Le Marché Saint Michel

Essential places to dine

Le Ciel de Paris Restaurant

Il était un square

Latin Quartier

La Table de Colette

Restaurant Le Coupe-Chou

Le Petit Prince de Paris

Au Bistrot de la Montagne

Le Bistrot Du Perigord

Coco de Mer

Aux Prés Cyril Lignac

Sixième Restaurant / Il Sesto

Côté Saint-Germain

SHIRO | Restaurant Franco Japonais Fusion

Didon

La Diva des Prés

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Shop Paris Catacombs

Par’Ici

Boutique de la Sorbonne et des Universités de Paris

Flo de Paris

L'Habit Français (Boutique Made in France)

Le Bon Marché

GreAt boutiques street

Picture Store Paris

Sixième

Pop up Store L e 8 - 75006 Paris

Nanie

Aigle

Gift shop Paris INC

Le Petit Prince

Paris est toujours Paris SAINT MICHEL

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Le Requin Chagrin

Mad Maker Pub

Teddy's Bar