Grenadier, Limestone sculpture in Dijon, France
Grenadier is a limestone sculpture on Avenue du Premier-Consul showing a French soldier in full military dress with boots, coat, epaulettes, cap, and rifle. The figure stands with a commanding posture that radiates the presence of an armed guard.
Created in 1856 by sculptor Georges Diebolt, it originally decorated the Pont de l'Alma in Paris, a bridge built to honor regiments involved in the Crimean War. After bridge reconstruction in 1970, the statue was relocated to Dijon.
The figure embodies the military tradition of France and serves as a link to the nation's wartime past within the city. As you pass by, the detailed uniform elements reflect how soldiers of that era appeared and were perceived.
The sculpture sits on Avenue du Premier-Consul in northern Dijon, directly across from Lake Kir and easily accessible by foot. It is an outdoor work that can be viewed at any time without charge.
It was originally one of four military figures representing the four branches of the French Army. When relocated to Dijon, the statue was disassembled into more than twenty pieces and reassembled after being transported by water.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
