The Place du Général-Catroux, formerly known as Place Malesherbes, is an essential landmark of the 17th arrondissement of Paris.
Established in 1862 on what was once a sprawling park, this rectangular square lies at the junction of Boulevard Malesherbes and Avenue de Villiers, receiving multiple streets including Rue Henri-Rochefort and Rue de Phalsbourg. It was officially renamed in 1977 in honor of General Georges Catroux (1877-1969), a decorated officer who joined General de Gaulle’s resistance efforts in WWII.
Where Art and History Stand Tall: The Statues of the Three Dumas and More
Historically known as the “Place of the Three Dumas,” this square showcases monuments dedicated to three generations of the celebrated Dumas family.
A key attraction is the statue of General Thomas Alexandre Dumas, originally sculpted by Alphonse Emmanuel de Moncel, depicting him with a rifle, symbolic of his valor during the Revolutionary Wars. Though the original statue was melted down during WWII, its memory endures with “Fers” by Driss Sans-Arcidet, a powerful sculpture symbolizing broken chains.
Alexandre Dumas père, the famed author of The Three Musketeers, is immortalized in a monument by Gustave Doré featuring a figure of d’Artagnan, one of his most cherished characters. Alexandre Dumas fils, celebrated for works like La Dame aux Camélias, has a statue by René de Saint-Marceaux here as well, reflecting the enduring influence of this literary family on French culture.
Icons of the Arts: Sarah Bernhardt and Edmond Rostand
This square honors Sarah Bernhardt, a leading actress of her time, with a monument by François Sicard depicting her in her iconic role as Phèdre. She once resided near this very place, making her an indelible part of its history.
Recently, a bust of Edmond Rostand, author of Cyrano de Bergerac, was added, creating a fresh homage to this renowned playwright who once lived nearby. These monuments weave together the lives of artists whose contributions have left an indelible mark on French culture.
Historical Buildings: Hôtel Gaillard and Surroundings
At No. 1, Hôtel Gaillard, built by Jules Février, showcases Renaissance architecture inspired by the castles of Blois and Gien. Originally a private mansion and art collection hub, it later became a Bank of France branch and now houses the Cité de l’Économie.
Across the square, other historical buildings add to the prestige, including the former Liberian Embassy at No. 12 and the residence of composer Charles Gounod at No. 20.
A Touch of Green: Jardin Solitude
In 2020, Mayor Anne Hidalgo inaugurated the Jardin Solitude on the northern lawns of the square, which includes a statue commemorating Solitude, a heroine of the resistance against slavery. This addition, along with the newly unveiled statue of Mulâtresse Solitude in 2022, enriches the square’s cultural landscape, embodying France’s complex history and its figures of resilience and freedom.