Place des États-Unis: a plaza honoring American friendship to France in Paris

Place des États-Unis is a picturesque square located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, France. Its creation dates back to the early 20th century, specifically designed in 1923 to commemorate the historical ties between France and the United States, particularly the support provided by the U.S. during World War I.

The plaza’s most prominent features are its impressive sculptural tributes to American heroes.

Tributes to America

These monuments create a small space for Franco-American remembrance in the heart of Paris.

At the center stands a striking equestrian statue of George Washington by Daniel Chester French and Edward Clark Potter, a gift from American women living in Paris that was inaugurated in 1900. The statue depicts Washington astride his horse.

You’ll find statues of other key figures from the American Revolutionary War, including the Marquis de Lafayette, Comte de Rochambeau, both French military officers who played crucial roles in supporting American independence.

Lafayette et Washington

Monument aux Volontaires Américains

The Monument aux Volontaires américains is a 1923 sculpture and monument by Jean Boucher, dedicated by former French President Raymond Poincaré to the many willing Americans who gave their life for France.

Place des États Unis Monument aux Volontaires américains by Jean Boucher Paris_DSCF4306

Place des États Unis Monument aux Volontaires américains by Jean Boucher Paris_DSCF4308

Edith Wharton

A placard notes that Edith Wharton, the first woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize, lived in one of the buildings along the plaza.

Place des États Unis Edith Wharton Paris_DSCF4312

Square Thomas Jefferson

Part of the plaza is specifically dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, noting he was an author of the Declaration of Independence of 1776, the US Ambassador to France from 1785 to 1789, and President of the USA from 1801 to 1809.

Horace Wells

Horace Wells, the American dentist who pioneered the use of anesthesia in dentistry (specifically nitrous oxide/laughing gas in the 1840s), is commemorated in the plaza. The tribute recognizes his groundbreaking contribution to pain-free surgery and dentistry, which revolutionized medical practice.

Baccarat Boutique, Museum, and Restaurant

The square is surrounded by magnificent Haussmann-era buildings and grand hôtels particuliers that reflect the wealth and prestige of this neighborhood.

One of the most noteworthy addresses is the stunning Maison Baccarat at 11 Place des États-Unis, housed in a former mansion belonging to Marie-Laure de Noailles, a famous art patron. This crystal palace serves as both the Baccarat Museum and a boutique showcasing the legendary French crystal manufacturer’s exquisite creations, from elaborate chandeliers to delicate stemware.

Place des États Unis Baccarat Paris_DSCF4315

The building itself is a marvel, with opulent rooms designed by Philippe Starck that blend historical grandeur with contemporary flair, making it a destination for design enthusiasts and anyone appreciating fine craftsmanship. The museum’s collection includes pieces created for royalty and heads of state throughout Baccarat’s history since 1764.

You can dine at Ducasse Baccarat, a restaurant inside the Cristal Room Baccarat, a prestigious dining establishment created by Alain Ducasse when the Maison Baccarat opened in 2003. The restaurant features Philippe Starck’s dramatic interior design with glittering Baccarat chandeliers and crystal throughout.

Gardens

The square features a central garden that is beautifully landscaped, surrounded by elegant residential buildings. It was conceived as part of the city’s strategy to enhance urban planning, reflecting the artistic and architectural influence of that era. The centerpiece of the square is a large roundabout, marked by rows of trees and flower gardens, providing a serene urban ambiance.

The square is situated near various other cultural points of interest and is linked to Paris’s broader history of urban transformation and global cultural exchange.

The architecture surrounding the square features styles typical of the early 20th century, adding to the charm and historical significance of the area.