Landmark · Le Marais
Statue de Beaumarchais
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Located in the charming Le Marais neighborhood of Paris, the Statue de Beaumarchais honors the 18th-century French playwright and polymath Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, best known for his plays *The Barber of Seville* and *The Marriage of Figaro*. The bronze statue stands on a stone pedestal in a small square at the intersection of Rue des Tournelles and Rue Saint-Antoine, near the Place des Vosges. Visitors will find the figure dressed in period attire, holding a quill and a manuscript, capturing the spirit of the Enlightenment. The area is lively with boutiques, bakeries, and galleries, making it a perfect spot for a quick photo stop while exploring the Marais. The statue itself is modest but well-maintained, surrounded by benches and trees that offer a pleasant respite from the bustling streets. It is a quiet landmark that invites reflection on Beaumarchais's contributions to literature and his role in the American Revolution, as he secretly supplied arms to the American colonists.
Don't miss
- Observe the detailed bronze sculpture of Beaumarchais holding a quill and manuscript.
- Enjoy the surrounding gardens and benches for a peaceful break.
- Explore the nearby Place des Vosges, one of Paris's oldest planned squares.
- Visit the adjacent Musée Carnavalet for Paris history.
- Stroll through the Marais district's narrow streets and historic architecture.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Statue de Beaumarchais
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Statue de Beaumarchais with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inParis: Famous Graves of Pere Lachaise Cemetery Guided Tour4.6★ · 1,177 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$22 per personSee dates →
Most bookedLouvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour with Access4.5★ · 12,899 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$74 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleMarais District and Jewish Quarter Exclusive Guided Walking Tour4.9★ · 202 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$60 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- The statue is outdoors and always accessible, but nearby shops and cafés have varying hours.
- Best photo angle from the southeast side, with the statue against the backdrop of the Marais buildings.
- Combine with a walk to Place des Vosges (5 minutes) or the Bastille area (10 minutes).
- Several cafés on Rue Saint-Antoine offer outdoor seating with a view of the statue.
A bit of history
The statue was created by sculptor Louis Clausade and inaugurated in 1895 to commemorate Beaumarchais's legacy. It originally stood at the Théâtre de l'Odéon but was moved to its current location in the Marais in 1897, near where Beaumarchais once lived.
Common questions
Who was Beaumarchais?
Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais was a French playwright, inventor, musician, and diplomat, famous for his comedies *The Barber of Seville* and *The Marriage of Figaro*, which inspired operas by Rossini and Mozart.
Is the statue easy to find?
Yes, it's at the intersection of Rue des Tournelles and Rue Saint-Antoine, a busy corner in the Marais. Look for the bronze figure on a stone pedestal.
Are there guided tours that include this statue?
Some walking tours of the Marais pass by the statue, but it's not a major stop. Self-guided exploration is easy.
What else is nearby?
Place des Vosges, Musée Carnavalet, the Picasso Museum, and many boutiques and restaurants are within a 10-minute walk.
Is the statue lit at night?
Yes, it is illuminated after dark, making it visible for evening strolls.
Can I sit on the statue?
No, climbing or sitting on the statue is not permitted, but there are benches nearby.
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