Plaza Francia – France Square

You’ll quickly notice the strong ties between Argentina and France during your stay in Buenos Aires. From the Parisian-style architecture to a shared love of good wine and heated political debates, there’s a real connection between the two countries. You’re now standing in Plaza Francia, facing the monument that France gifted Buenos Aires for the centennial of the Argentine Revolution. Ironically, the neighboring square, though officially named after Mayor Alvear, came to be known as Plaza Francia too, much to the annoyance of the former mayor. The square was created in 1909 as part of an urban planning project to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Argentina’s independence. It was designed by French landscape architect Charles Thays, who became known as Carlos Thays once he moved to Argentina. The monument here, sculpted by Émile Peynot, features 4 bronze low reliefs depicting key moments in the two nations’ histories: the First Military Regime and the crossing of the Andes for Argentina, and the Storming of the Bastille and the Declaration of Human Rights for France. The two women at the top represent Argentina and Marianne, the national personification of the French Republic since the French Revolution. Both are guided by the Angel of Glory. French President Charles de Gaulle even gave a speech here during his trip to Argentina in 1964. The square is also home to a monument to French inventor Louis Braille, built in 1977. Every weekend, the plaza hosts a craft fair, where you’ll find a number of traditional handicrafts. Just across the square, you’ll find the Museum of Fine Arts, where you can discover a rich collection of works by South American and internationally renowned artists.