How did a lion, a symbol of strength and courage, end up guarding Place Denfert-Rochereau? This magnificent creature, known as the Lion of Belfort, isn’t just any lion. It’s a smaller replica of its larger counterpart in Belfort, France. The Parisian Lion of Belfort, a mere 7 meters long and 4 meters high, stands proudly in the 14th arrondissement. It’s a tribute to the town’s resilience during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, especially to Colonel Aristide Denfert-Rochereau, nicknamed the “Lion of Belfort.” This impressive sculpture, made of copper-plate, was originally destined for the Buttes-Chaumont area. But the residents of the 14th arrondissement petitioned for its placement here, to honor Denfert-Rochereau. The Lion of Belfort was inaugurated in its current location in 1880. Created by Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, it faces westward, possibly towards its more famous sibling across the Atlantic. This powerful symbol of resistance was declared a historic monument in 2003 and underwent restoration in 2001. Now, it awaits another facelift, planned for 2025. So, as you admire the Lion of Belfort, remember the courage it represents. It speaks to the enduring spirit of a town and its people, forever immortalized in stone.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.