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La France Renaissante: A Symbol of Rebirth on the Seine

A powerful bronze sculpture on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, symbolizing France's resilience and rebirth with stunning views of the Seine and Eiffel Tower.

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La France Renaissante, a bronze equestrian statue, stands proudly on the Île aux Cygnes, near the Pont de Bir-Hakeim in Paris. Originally intended to represent Joan of Arc, this powerful sculpture, created by Danish sculptor Holger Wederkinch, symbolizes the resilience and rebirth of France. Its delayed installation and renaming add to its intriguing history.

A brief summary to La France Renaissante

  • 810 Pont de Bir-Hakeim, Paris, 75015, FR
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit at sunset for a picturesque view of the statue with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
  • Take Metro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim station for direct access to the Pont de Bir-Hakeim.
  • Walk along the Île aux Cygnes for a peaceful stroll with views of the Seine.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Bir-Hakeim Métro station (Line 6), exit and walk directly onto the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. The statue is located on the Île aux Cygnes, accessible from the bridge. A single Métro ticket costs €2.50.

  • Walking

    From the Eiffel Tower, walk along the Quai Branly towards the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. Cross the bridge to reach the Île aux Cygnes and the statue. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    A taxi or ride-share from central Paris (e.g., Louvre Museum) to the Pont de Bir-Hakeim typically costs between €15-€25, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Ask the driver to drop you off near the Bir-Hakeim Métro station for easy access to the bridge.

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Discover more about La France Renaissante

La France Renaissante, a striking bronze equestrian statue, graces the Île aux Cygnes, a man-made island in the Seine, near the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. Created in 1930 by Danish sculptor Holger Wederkinch, the 4.5-meter statue was a gift from the Danish community to the city of Paris. Initially, the statue was designed to depict Joan of Arc. However, its warlike aesthetic caused controversy, delaying its installation for many years. It was finally erected in 1958, after a name change to La France Renaissante (The Reborn France), a title that better reflected its symbolism of a nation rising from the ashes of war. The statue portrays a female warrior in chain mail, embodying strength and resilience. Positioned on the bridge, it offers a stunning view of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower, making it a popular spot for photographs and contemplation. The Pont de Bir-Hakeim itself is a historically significant bridge, with two levels, one for vehicles and pedestrians, and the other for the Paris Metro Line 6. The bridge also features monuments dedicated to soldiers fallen in World War II. Visiting La France Renaissante provides an opportunity to reflect on French history and appreciate the artistic details of both the statue and the bridge. It's a powerful symbol of hope and national identity, set against the backdrop of one of the world's most beautiful cities.

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