The Little Prince of Lyon

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Lyon, France’s second-largest city, is full of hidden treasures and cultural gems. Among them, a one-of-a-kind work of art paying tribute to one of Lyon’s favorite sons, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a renowned writer and aviator. While the city itself boasts such illustrious figures as Roman Emperor Claudius and Michelin-starred chef Paul Bocuse, it is with a special statue that Lyon has chosen to celebrate Saint-Exupéry.

In 2000, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Saint-Exupéry's birth, the city of Lyon unveiled an exceptional statue representing the author and his famous Little Prince. Nestled discreetly on the southwest corner of Place Bellecour, opposite Saint-Exupéry's birthplace, this work of art stands proudly on an imposing fifteen-foot column.

The idea behind this artistic representation is as poetic as Saint-Exupéry’s work itself. Let’s imagine Antoine and the Little Prince perched on one of the planets described in the book, silently observing the Earth from their pedestal. The statue, although located in the heart of one of the most famous and frequented squares in Lyon, seems strangely unknown.

A mystery that could be attributed to its discreet location, in front of a bus stop and under a canopy of trees, giving the impression that the statue is almost hidden from the eyes of passers-by. Despite the fame of Place Bellecour, it is surprising to note that few visitors take the time to contemplate this exceptional work of art or to capture its beauty in a photo.

For lovers of history, art and literature, this statue offers a unique opportunity to connect with the legacy of Saint-Exupéry, whose influence extends far beyond the borders of Lyon. So, the next time you visit Lyon, take the time to discover this hidden treasure, an artistic tribute to the author of The Little Prince, silently waiting to be discovered in the heart of the City of Lights.

Take a close look at Saint-Exupéry’s attire from the top of his column. The choice to name Lyon airport after Saint-Exupéry is not accidental. Indeed, the famous writer was also a pilot for Aéropostale, an airline that pioneered the transport of mail by air. His career in aviation contributed to the rise of postal flights, a period when pilots were intrepid heroes exploring the skies to deliver mail across considerable distances.

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Pierre Bossan

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