The Zouave of the River Seine Paris
Famous statue
If you like walking along rivers you should not miss the Zouave statue at the Pont de l'Alma. Zouaves were a sort of light infantry fighting for the French army at the end of the 19 century and the beginning of the 20th century. They were originally from the French North Africa domains and reputable warriors.
When the Alma bridge on the river Seine was built, several statues were set on the bridge piers. The Alma bridge gets its name from a battle won in Crimea between French, British and Ottoman forces against the Russians. Four statues would represent the four types of military regiments that the French army had at that battle. After several renovations, only the Zouave remains.
The reason why it is famous is that this statue has become the reference point to measure how high the waters run in the river. In 1910, the water reached shoulder level, and now, every time there are heavy rains in the Seine river basin, Paris citizens drop by the Alma bridge to check how high the water is running compared to the statue.
When the water reaches the feet of the statue, the river banks are closed, and neighbouring museums and buildings start to prepare for water leakages. It is a very nice thing to see and an excellent spot for a selfie.
About this spot
Pont de l'Alma
- 24 hours daily
€
free
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Paris
Chercheminippes
Second-hand pioneers!
The Marais in Paris is best known for its second-hand clothing shops, but "Chercheminippes" and its six shops have been innovating for half a century...
by
Alix
Mengin
Miznon
Boeuf bourguignon in-a-pita
"Miznon" in Paris had the absolute genius idea of combining the traditional pita with a great French classic - the bœuf bourguignon! Great lunch spot.
by
Alix
Mengin
Pizzeria Popolare
Pizza napoletana
"Pizzeria Popolare" in central Paris makes authentic pizza napoletana. Come here if you don't mind queuing up and want the most affordable pizza around.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
La Bellevilloise
Events of all kinds
"La Bellevilloise" is a cultural centre in Paris with a bar & a restaurant. They have a fantastic variety of activities & it goes back to the 19th cen.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Le YONO
Cocktails and shows
"Le YONO" in Le Marais in Paris is a cafe/bar hosted in the porch of a house & the bar is under a glass ceiling. I actually love their 'crazy Thursdays'.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
L’Atelier Geneviève
Ceramicafé
"L’Atelier Geneviève" is a 'ceramicafé' - here you can decorate your own ceramics w/ a coffee or breakfast. They even have kintsugi workshops!
by
Alix
Mengin
Le Bouillon Chartier
Art nouveau restaurant
" Le Bouillon Chartier" is a remarkable relic of the old modernist-style Paris. Classic French cuisine, nicely decorated mirrors, tiles & sculptures...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Le Merle Moqueur bookshop
Artsy bookshop
The bookshop is in an old car repair shop, which its owner transformed into a welcoming and open space where book presentations and talks take place.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Land & Monkeys
Mastering the vegan croissant
"Land & Monkeys" in Paris makes 100% vegan croissants & other French staples. Is such a thing possible, you ask? Oh yes...
by
Alix
Mengin
Des Gâteaux et du Pain
The butteriest croissants
"Des Gâteaux et du Pain" was the first place that sprang to my mind when listing my top spots in Paris. They completely changed my croissant habits...
by
Alix
Mengin
Le Favori
Best pastrami sandwich in Paris
"Le Favori" is a small, unpretentious place in the 11th arrondissement in Paris that definitely makes the best pastrami sandwich in the city...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Grand Palais Éphémère
A modular palace
The "Grand Palais Éphémère" in Paris is set to host the Grand Palais' events while the latter is being renovated. Who knows, it might even stick around!
by
Alix
Mengin
Heading to Paris?
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Paris?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Paris
Get to know our other Spotters from Paris
As featured on:
