Perhaps you are pondering why this street is called Sente Chevalier. This statue honors Chevalier de la Barre. Let me tell you his story. It’s a story of youthful rebellion and tragic injustice in old Paris.
Chevalier de la Barre was a young nobleman. His real name was François Jean Lefebvre. He lived in 1760s France. He enjoyed a vagabond life with his friends. They liked drinking singing obscene songs.
One day Chevalier and his friends were walking. A religious group passed by. The group was holding a ceremony. Chevalier and his friends didn’t remove their hats. They didn’t show respect. This was seen as a great offense.
Soon after someone broke a statue of Jesus. People blamed Chevalier de la Barre and his friends. Two friends escaped France. But Chevalier was caught.
The authorities interrogated Chevalier. They tortured him. Torture was common then. Laws dictated how torture was applied. During the search of his house they found Voltaire’s book Dictionary of Philosophy. The book was forbidden. Chevalier was charged with opposing religion.
The court sentenced Chevalier de la Barre to death. They would cut off his hand and tongue. Then they would burn him. Even Voltaire’s book was burned.
Chevalier appealed to a higher court in Paris. But the result stayed the same. Chevalier was surprised by his punishment. His last words were striking. He said he didn’t think a gentleman like him could be killed for such a simple thing.
The Chevalier de la Barre case became a symbol. It highlighted the political divisions in France. Parties used his case to attack each other. Months before France became secular a statue of Chevalier de la Barre was erected. It stood right in front of the Sacre Cœur Church. Some called it a church of stubbornness.
The Sacre Cœur Church has its own history. During the German siege Parisians suffered greatly. They ate horses cats and even elephants. This was during the winter of 1870-1871.
If you want to learn more about Chevalier de la Barre read Voltaire’s article. It’s in his Dictionary of Philosophy. Look for the torture clause. Voltaire mentions Chevalier de la Barre there.
The story of Chevalier de la Barre is a reminder. It highlights the fight for tolerance and justice. It also reminds us of the importance of secularism. As you stand here remember this young man. Remember his tragic fate. Consider the values he represents.