Monument to Eugène Flachat

The Monument to Eugène Flachat is a memorial structure featuring a marble and stone bust located in the 17th arrondissement. The pedestal displays four carved reliefs depicting themes of labor, conversation, earth, and craftsmanship at the intersection of two streets.

The monument was created in 1897 by sculptor Alfred Boucher and architect Gaston Trélat to honor engineer Eugène Flachat. He had pioneered major French railway lines and contributed significantly to the country's technical modernization.

The carved reliefs on the base show allegorical figures representing labor and engineering, reflecting how industrial progress shaped French society in the 1800s. These depictions remain visible to visitors walking around the monument today.

The memorial stands at the corner of Rue Verniquet and Rue Flachat as an outdoor piece maintained by the City of Paris. Visitors can easily reach it while walking through the neighborhood and view the details at close range.

The pedestal inscription explicitly identifies Flachat as an engineer and links his name to the story of France's first railway line from Paris to Saint-Germain-en-Laye. This detail is often overlooked, though it clarifies the main achievement of the honored individual.