When you hear about the Statue of Liberty, what comes to mind? Instantly, you probably picture the iconic statue in New York. But did you know about the Statue of Liberty in Paris? Perhaps you’re familiar with it, but it’s not so well-known to most people.
Although it is relatively close to the Eiffel Tower, it’s a bit off the usual tourist paths. That’s why we’re here to talk about this sculpture and its significance in Paris’s history.
This statue was a gift from the French who lived in the United States to commemorate the famous French Revolution (you’ll find the full story later on). If you compare a photograph of the New York Statue of Liberty with the one in Paris, you’ll notice how similar they are since the second one is a replica of the original Statue of Liberty in New York.
By the way, if you’re visiting Paris on vacation, here are some highly recommended activities and tours:
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus in Paris
- Dinner at the Eiffel Tower
- Entrance and Audioguide for the Louvre Museum
- Segway Tour around the City
- Discounted Tickets for the Eiffel Tower
History of the Statue of Liberty in Paris
Why is there a Statue of Liberty in Paris?
It all began in the 19th century when France and the United States enjoyed a longstanding friendship. As a celebration of the centennial of American independence, France decided to give the United States a special gift. The task of creating a statue symbolizing liberty was given to sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.
The engineer Gustave Eiffel, famous for the tower that bears his name, contributed to the project by designing the statue’s internal structure. This statue, unveiled in New York in 1886, was transported across the Atlantic on a long journey from Europe to America.
Later on, French residents in the United States decided to gift another Statue of Liberty to commemorate the French Revolution from across the ocean.
This second Statue of Liberty was inaugurated in 1889, after the French people’s declaration of independence from absolute monarchy.
How tall is the Statue of Liberty in Paris?
The New York statue stands 46 meters tall, while the one in Paris is 11.5 meters high, not counting the base. Including the pedestal, the New York statue measures 93 meters, whereas the total height of the Parisian Statue of Liberty is 22 meters. Let’s explore the connection between the two statues.
Location of the Statue of Liberty in France
The Statue of Liberty in Paris is located on the Île aux Cygnes (Île aux Cygnes), an artificial island built on the River Seine. This island was constructed to help protect the port of Grenelle. It is a small area, roughly 850 meters long and 11 meters wide.
The island is home to a grove of trees and Bartholdi’s workshop, which is why the French Statue of Liberty was placed here. As shown above, the statue is positioned at one end of the island, facing away from the Eiffel Tower.
TIP: To enhance your visit, consider taking a leisurely walk along the Seine or exploring other hidden gems around the island.
The sculpture was originally oriented toward the center of Paris, but its direction was changed in 1937 during a World’s Fair held in Paris.
It was then that the Paris Statue of Liberty (or “Statue of Liberty in Paris” in English or “Statue de la Liberté” in French) was turned to face westward, as if symbolically looking toward her American counterpart across the Atlantic.
Nearby Points of Interest
- Eiffel Tower: Just a 15-minute walk away, the Eiffel Tower is an absolute must-visit attraction.
- Pont de Bir-Hakeim: This bridge is quite famous and has appeared in several movies. I highly recommend stopping to admire the stunning views of the Seine River.
- Parc André Citroën: A beautiful park offering large green spaces and gardens, perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxation.
- Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac: About a 20-minute walk from the statue, this museum is renowned for its collection of indigenous art from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
Best Photo Spots:
- From Pont de Grenelle: This spot provides an excellent side view of the statue.
- From the footbridge on Île aux Cygnes: You can capture the best close-up shots of the statue, with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.
How to Get to the Statue of Liberty in Paris
As mentioned earlier, the Statue of Liberty in Paris is located on the small Île aux Cygnes (between the 15th and 16th districts, on either side of the Seine River). The island is connected to the city by three bridges linking both districts: Pont de Grenelle, Pont Rouelle, and Pont de Bir-Hakeim.
You can find everything mapped out below:
1. Metro
To visit the Statue of Liberty in Paris, you can take the metro and get off at Bir-Hakeim station. From there, you can walk via Pont de Bir-Hakeim or Pont de Grenelle, both of which provide access to the island.
Pont Rouelle is only for trains. Pont de Grenelle is the closest bridge to the Statue of Liberty in Paris and accommodates both vehicular traffic and pedestrian sidewalks. To navigate Paris with ease, check out our tourist map.
Pont de Bir-Hakeim is also worth a stop. It stands out for its metal architecture and elegant decoration, with stone sculptures and commemorative plaques. It was declared a historical monument in 1986. Initially built in 1878 as a pedestrian walkway, it now has two levels: the upper level for metro trains and the lower level for pedestrians and vehicles. There are stairs on the bridge to access Île aux Cygnes. Fun fact: the bridge has been featured in several films, documentaries, and music videos.
2. RER
The nearest RER (suburban train) station is Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel (Line C). From there, a roughly 15-minute walk will take you to Île aux Cygnes. Just cross Pont de Bir-Hakeim, and midway across, take the pathway on the island that leads directly to the statue.
3. Batobus
For a unique experience where you can also view many other landmarks and attractions in the city, consider taking the popular Batobus, a boat service along the Seine. The closest stop is near the Eiffel Tower, from which you can walk to the island.
You can make an advance reservation here: 
RESERVE
Description of the French Statue of Liberty
Like the American one, the French Statue of Liberty depicts a woman clad in a robe, wearing a crown with seven points. Her right arm is raised, holding a torch.
TIP: Visiting both the Paris and New York statues provides a deeper appreciation for the cultural connections and historical meanings shared between France and the United States.
It holds a plaque in its left hand with two dates: July 4, 1776, and July 14, 1789 (IV Juillet 1776 and XIV Juillet 1789). The first date marks the independence of the United States of America, and the second commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which signaled the beginning of the French Revolution.
At the base, there is an inscription that translates from French as: “This statue was offered to the city of Paris by the American community of Paris.” At the statue’s feet, there is a broken chain, symbolizing freedom and the triumph over oppression.
Additionally, the statue features a crown with seven rays, representing the seven continents and the seven seas, symbolizing universal freedom. The Roman-style toga it wears reflects the classical influence that inspired the artist.
Finally, it should be noted that the statue was restored by the city of Paris with the support of the Florence Gould Foundation, in celebration of the centennial of the Statue of Liberty in France.
Other Statues of Liberty in Paris
Did you think this was the only Statue of Liberty in Paris? Let us surprise you: there are more!
1. At the Musée d’Orsay
There is another bronze statue in the Musée d’Orsay, even smaller than the one on Île aux Cygnes, measuring under 3 meters in height. In fact, it’s the original model from which the sculptor Bartholdi worked. This statue was displayed in the Luxembourg Gardens for a century before being moved to the Musée d’Orsay in 2012.
2. Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers
At the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers museum, you’ll also find several Statues of Liberty. One is outside at the entrance, another is inside, and a third is a scaled model of just the head.
As you can see, the Statue of Liberty in France has a rich and often little-known history, symbolizing the enduring friendship between France and the United States. It is one of Paris’s lesser-known monuments, but undeniably fascinating.
TIP: Exploring these additional statues provides a unique glimpse into the cultural and historical ties that have shaped both nations.