Place Dalida in Montmartre

Ambling through the cobblestone streets of Butte Montmartre, you can find Place Dalida at the intersection of rue Girardon and rue Abreuvoir. The tranquil square is dedicated to the famous chanteuse and actress who lived close by at 11 bis rue d’Orchampt until her suicide in 1987.

Dalida was born in Egypt of Italian descent as Yolanda Cristina Gigliotti. She lived most of her life in France and sang in many languages including Italian, French, Arabic and Spanish. Her style was unique and varied which made her appeal spread worldwide and transcend language barriers. Even after her death, her songs continue to be played and remixed as dance albums.

As one of her fans, I visited Place Dalida in Montmartre and was enchanted by the serenity of the tiny space on a cool and overcast autumn day.

The life size bronze bust by Alain Asian was erected by the French government in 1997 to commemorate her life and the intersection was renamed in her honour. Place Dalida is visited by many fans on a walk in Montmartre who often stop for a commemorative photograph. Her tomb lies at the Cimetière de Montmartre.

While you’re in the area, keep an eye out for one of the faces of Gregos peering from a wall and the statue of a man walking through walls.

Place Dalida
Intersection of rue Girardon and rue Abreuvoir
Butte Montmartre
Paris 18eme
Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt