De Gaulle – Churchill Statue

Calais has always lived in the shadow—and in the light—of its proximity to England. On a clear day, you can see the British coastline from the seafront. In the Saint-Pierre district, English lace traditions live on. Here, in Richelieu Park, the bond between the two countries is honored with a striking sculpture of two of their most iconic wartime leaders. Side by side at the end of a white, geometric walkway stand Charles de Gaulle and Winston Churchill—two giants of the 20th century who were often allies, sometimes rivals. Their relationship was anything but smooth. While they were partners in the struggle against Nazi Germany, they also clashed fiercely at times, only to find common ground again when it mattered most. They were complete opposites in style—the English bulldog and the French greyhound—yet both embodied the same immense strength, patriotism, and resolve. Sculpted by Alsatian artist Patrick Berthaud, the two statues might look modest from afar, but step closer and you’ll feel their presence: nearly 3 meters tall and weighing several tons each. Even their real-life height difference—28 centimeters—has been exaggerated to 35 for dramatic effect. Captured in a moment just after the war, standing in a fractured France ready to rebuild, the statues are more than a tribute to two men. They symbolize unity, resilience, as well as the deep, sometimes complicated, but ultimately powerful connection between France and Britain in the face of adversity.