Charles de Gaulle Square in Bucharest is a prominent and historic urban space located in the northern part of the city. It sits at the intersection of Aviatorilor, Constantin Prezan, Primăverii Boulevards, and Calea Dorobanților.
In 2006, during the Francophonie Summit held in Bucharest, a statue of Charles de Gaulle was unveiled in the square. This imposing statue, crafted by Mircea Spătaru, is 4.6 meters tall and honours the leader of the Free French Forces and the first president of the Fifth French Republic.
The square is surrounded by important landmarks and areas: Herăstrău Park lies to the northwest, the Arcul de Triumf (Triumphal Arch) is a few hundred meters to the west, and Piața Victoriei - Victory Square with the Romanian Government headquarters is to the south. Nearby, the Romanian Television headquarters and the Primăverii neighborhood, once home to the Communist political elite, add to the area's significance. The Charles de Gaulle Plaza office building, opened in 2004, is situated in the southeast part of the square, underlined by the Aviatorilor metro station that runs beneath.
Historically, the square has undergone several name changes reflecting Romania's turbulent 20th-century history: originally Piața Jianu, it was renamed Piața Adolf Hitler during World War II, then Piața Generalissim I.V. Stalin during the communist era, with the Stalin statue removed in 1962. It was briefly called Piața Aviatorilor before receiving its current name in the late 1990s.
Today, Charles de Gaulle Square is a key civic and cultural location, blending historical monuments and green spaces with modern urban life, serving as both a symbol of Romania’s past and its contemporary identity.
Charles de Gaulle Square is not only a gateway to some of Bucharest's most iconic landmarks but also a serene urban retreat, where historic monuments meet lush gardens, making it a perfect spot for both reflection and lively city strolls.
Charles de Gaulle Square is also one of the 14 stops made during the Bucharest City Tour by the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.
Herăstrău Park, also known as King Michael I Park, is the largest park in Bucharest and the biggest urban park in Europe, spreading over 187 hectares around Herăstrău Lake. It offers lush greenery, scenic walking and cycling paths, recreational areas, and boat rentals on the lake. The park features a Japanese Garden, playgrounds, and plenty of quiet spots for relaxation.
A notable attraction within the park is the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, an open-air ethnographic museum with traditional Romanian homes and artefacts. The park is easily accessible from the Aviatorilor metro station and serves as a beloved oasis for locals and tourists.
In the vicinity of Piața Charles de Gaulle, there is the imposing statue of General Charles de Gaulle, symbolising the strong historical and cultural ties between Romania and France.
This 4.6-meter-high bronze statue, created by Mircea Spătaru, was unveiled in 2006 and honours the legendary French leader and first president of the Fifth Republic.
The statue also marks the entrance to Herastrau Park.
The Ceaușescu House, also known as the former principal residence of Nicolae and Elena Ceaușescu, is located near Charles de Gaulle Plaza.
It is a grand and imposing villa where the Romanian communist leader and his wife lived for about two decades until the 1989 revolution. The house is noted for its size and austere architecture, representing an era of authoritarian rule in Romania.
Charles de Gaulle Plaza is a modern Class A office building located near Charles de Gaulle Square. Opened in 2005, it features contemporary architecture, fast panoramic elevators, and serves as a hub for multinational companies, blending modern business infrastructure with the historic surroundings of Bucharest.
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June 7, 2026
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