“A miniature beacon of freedom, wouldn’t you say?” a woman’s voice chirped beside me. We stood before the Statue de la Liberté, a smaller echo of her New York sister, here on the Quai des États-Unis in Nice. The Statue de la Liberté, though diminutive at 1.35 meters, held herself with the same resolute posture. This wasn’t just another souvenir. This Statue de la Liberté was a direct descendant of the original, signed by Bartholdi himself and cast by the same foundry that created the last replica held in private hands. Imagine, this very statue almost didn’t make it to Nice. The city purchased her in 2011 for a sum nearing 100,000 euros. It was a significant investment, a testament to the enduring symbolism she represents. The Statue de la Liberté finally found her home here in 2014. Her inauguration coincided with the pedestrianization of the quai, further solidifying her place as a welcoming symbol for visitors. It’s remarkable to think of her journey, from the Coubertin foundry to this picturesque spot overlooking the sea. This Statue de la Liberté is more than just a replica. She’s a tangible link to a powerful story of friendship between nations, a reminder of the values both France and the United States hold dear. Look at her, standing proudly on the Quai des États-Unis, a small but mighty emblem of liberty in the heart of Nice.
Monument à la reine Victoria Statue
A wave of floral scents. A gentle breeze rustles through nearby trees. We stand before the Monument à la reine