Perched high above us on a fifteen-foot column stands a bronze tribute to a Lyon native. This is the Le Petit Prince et Saint-Exupery Statue. It commemorates Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and his most famous creation. Unveiled in 2000 on the 100th anniversary of Saint-Exupéry’s birth it’s a poignant reminder of Lyon’s favorite son.
Saint-Exupéry’s life was one of adventure and creativity. Born into a noble family in Lyon in 1900 his early life was marked by both privilege and loss. The death of his father when Antoine was just four years old brought financial hardship to his family. Later he suffered the loss of his brother. These experiences shaped his view of the world.
He found his calling in the French Air Force where he flew postal routes. These routes stretched from France to Africa and South America. His experiences inspired his early novels. “Courrier Sud” in 1929 and “Vol de Nuit” in 1931 captured the challenges and beauty of flight.
Perhaps the most remarkable event in Saint-Exupéry’s life was his crash in the Libyan desert in 1935. While attempting to break a speed record flying from Paris to Saigon, he and his navigator André Prévot faced near-death. They had limited supplies and intense heat. They were rescued by a Bedouin after four days. This harrowing experience became the basis for “The Little Prince”.
“The Little Prince” was published in the United States in 1942. It was banned in France until after the war. This timeless novella explores themes of human connection and the follies of adult society. Despite mixed initial reviews, it has become a beloved classic.
Saint-Exupéry rejoined the Free French Air Force during World War II. On July 31, 1944, he disappeared on a reconnaissance flight over the Rhone Valley. His plane never returned and his body was never found.
The statue we see before us was created by Christiane Guillaubey. It shows Saint-Exupéry and the Little Prince. They are seated atop a white marble column. The column is over 5 meters tall and weighs 7 tons. It bears phrases from his works and the last page of “The Little Prince”.
The Le Petit Prince et Saint-Exupery Statue’s location is quite symbolic. It is across from where Saint-Exupéry was born. Some might say the statue is hidden in plain sight. Despite being near the busy Place Bellecour it often goes unnoticed. This hidden quality seems fitting for a man who was lost in the desert.
Lyon has honored Saint-Exupéry in other ways as well. The Lyon airport is named after him. This is a nod to his pioneering work as a pilot. It recognizes his contribution to the development of postal flights.
As you gaze upon this statue consider the life and legacy of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. He was a writer, aviator, and humanist. His stories continue to inspire us to look at the world with childlike wonder. The Le Petit Prince et Saint-Exupery Statue serves as a reminder of the importance of imagination, friendship, and the search for meaning in our lives.