Vercingétorix statue

Time for a bit of Gallo-Roman history! You can’t visit Place de Jaude without stopping at the impressive equestrian statue of Vercingetorix. It was created by Auguste Bartholdi — the same artist behind the legendary Statue of Liberty in New York. But let’s get back to Vercingetorix, a major figure in French history. We’re in the 1st century BC. At the time, the Romans referred to this region as Gaul. But in reality, Gaul wasn’t a unified nation — it was a patchwork of Celtic tribes who shared common origins, but not much else. Vercingetorix belonged to the Arverni people, who lived in what is now the Auvergne region. When the Romans began their conquest of Gaul, he became a symbol of resistance — the first leader to unite the Gallic tribes in an effort to push back the invaders. His most famous victory came at the Battle of Gergovia in 52 BC — a key moment in the Gallic Wars. In a way, Vercingetorix helped lay the groundwork for what would one day become the French national identity. So yes — he definitely earned his place in the heart of the most iconic square in Auvergne. Installed in 1903, the bronze statue pays tribute to the hero of Gergovia. It shows Vercingetorix on horseback, leaping over a fallen Roman soldier, his sword raised high — a powerful symbol of strength and courage. Today, it remains one of the true emblems of the city.