Places of memory

Statue Charles de Gaulle et Winston Churchill

Description

Calais honours its link with Charles de Gaulle, whose wife was from the city, through a monumental statue inaugurated in 2017. The work of sculptor Patrick Berthaud, it represents de Gaulle and Churchill, symbolising the Franco-British alliance during the world wars.

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Calais has a special relationship with Charles de Gaulle, his wife being from the city. This monumental statue here represents the Man of June 18, 1940 and the British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.

The two illustrious Heads of State, side by side, symbolize the alliance of the two countries during the world wars. At the main entrance to Richelieu Park, we can quickly make out Charles de Gaulle in military uniform and Sir Winston Churchill with his eternal cigar. The meaning of the statue is that at the end of the Second World War, they were facing a terribly wounded France...and which would gradually rebuild itself!

This monumental statue is a project supported by the City of Calais. It is the sculptor Patrick Berthaud, whose workshop is in Alsace, who is its creator and author. The inauguration dates from June 2017.

Did you know them? At the inauguration ceremony on June 24, 2017, the Churchill family was represented by Sir Nicholas Soames. This British parliamentarian is the grandson of the iconic British Prime Minister.

Rue Richelieu - 62100 CALAIS

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