Rapp Square

You're now standing on Colmar's central square. Rapp Square was named after General Jean Rapp, a key political figure of the French Revolution, hailed for his courage during the Revolutionary Wars. Check out his statue right beside you. It was sculpted by Auguste Bartholdi, who designed the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York, and the Lion of Belfort, to name but a few. Well, this world-famous artist was actually born in Colmar in 1834! He only lived here for a few years, however, before moving to Paris with his mother. The thing is, they never sold their house in Colmar, which now houses the Bartholdi Museum. And that's why, in 2004, they erected a fine replica of the Statue of Liberty in the north of the town, to commemorate the centenary of the death of this beloved local artist. It is, of course, smaller than the original, standing just 12 metres high, as opposed to the one in New York, measuring 46 metres, not including the pedestal. But back to the statue before you, here on Rapp Square. Auguste Bartholdi was only 20 years old when he was commissioned to create this sculpture in 1854. It was exhibited at the 1855 Paris Exposition, and installed here the following year. It thus became the city's first public monument. As for Rapp Square, it was formerly used as a military training ground and took its name from the statue. Today, it's teeming with life, hosting concerts and other events that attract locals and visitors alike. Just behind the square, there's the charming Champ de Mars Park. You'll find plenty of spots to relax, a fountain topped by the statue of Admiral Bruat, a French naval officer born in Colmar, as well as a carousel like no other. The Carrousel 1900 is the largest wooden horse carousel in France, and the only one in Europe with an outer glass wall to protect customers from the elements. Feel free to stroll through the park to discover it all, and relax in the shade of its tall trees!