Dressed in baggy trousers and a fez, Le Zouave stands as a silent sentinel. This statue on the Pont de l’Alma has a story deeper than its stone facade. Le Zouave is more than just a sculpture. He is a Parisian flood marker.
In 1856, Napoleon III inaugurated the Pont de l’Alma. It connected the Avenue George V to the Quai d’Orsay. The bridge commemorated the Battle of Alma in the Crimean War. Sculptures of French soldiers adorned each pier. Georges Diebolt created Le Zouave and a grenadier. Auguste Arnaud crafted a chasseur and an artilleryman.
Le Zouave wears a traditional uniform. It is based on North African clothing from the early 1800s. His jacket is short and open. He sports a sash and baggy trousers. The statue depicts a soldier resting on his rifle. André-Louis Gody is said to have been the model.
When the bridge was rebuilt in the 1970s, three statues were moved. Le Zouave remained. He was reinstalled on the new bridge but in a slightly lower position.
Le Zouave became an informal flood marker. When the Seine reached his feet, the embankments closed. When it reached his thighs, the river became unnavigable. During the Great Flood of 1910, the water reached his shoulders. The official measuring point is now at the Pont d’Austerlitz. Before 1876, it was at Pont de la Tournelle.
The floods of 1924 and 2001 saw the water levels rise significantly. In 2010, the Seine rose dramatically. It reached Le Zouave’s feet and caused disruptions. More recent floods occurred in 2016 and 2018.
Le Zouave is a cultural icon. Georges Brassens mentioned him in song. Roger Bordier named a novel after him. He even has a Twitter account.
The statue stands 5.2 meters high and weighs 8 tonnes. Le Zouave is a reminder of Paris’s history. He is a symbol of resilience against nature’s forces. Next time you’re in Paris check if he is keeping his feet dry.