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French Plaza

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Plaza de Francia is a grand monument located at the southeastern tip of the Casco Viejo peninsula in Panama City, dedicated to the French effort to construct the Panama Canal. Designed in the 1920s by architect Leonardo Villanueva Meyer, the plaza was built upon the site of Las Bóvedas, former Spanish fortifications used as a prison. At its center stands a towering 18-meter obelisk topped with a Gallic rooster, the national symbol of France, surrounded by statues of key figures such as Ferdinand de Lesseps and Carlos J. Finlay. Engraved stone tablets along the curved walls provide a detailed history of the French canal project and honor the memory of the approximately 22,000 workers who perished during the construction. The lower vaults, once damp dungeons, now house art galleries, offices, and cultural spaces. Above the plaza, the Paseo de las Bóvedas promenade provides visitors sweeping panoramic views of the Panama Bay, the Bridge of the Americas, and the modern city skyline. The plaza serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the canal's creation and remains a centerpiece of French-Panamanian historical ties.

Location: Panama
Top sights: Panama Canal Museum · Museum of History of Panama · Casco Viejo, Panama
Nearby: Chilibre (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	28	28	28	27	27	27	27	27	27	27
Rain mm	20	9	18	107	245	253	204	220	245	260	248	108

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

French Plaza is a public square, visitable at any time. The outdoor area has a fine view of the Bay of Panama.

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Typical hours

The plaza has no closing time and is always accessible. The adjacent monuments and benches invite you to linger anytime.

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Photography

Photography is unrestricted - the sea view and the Casco Viejo peninsula are popular subjects. A wide-angle lens best captures the expanse.

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Time needed

Allow about 15-20 minutes for the plaza. If you read the commemorative plaques about the Panama Canal history, count on half an hour.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a walk along the Casco Viejo seawall. Herrera Plaza and the cathedral are just five minutes away.

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Getting there

The plaza is at the southern end of the old town, easily walkable from central Casco Viejo. A taxi takes you directly to the plaza.

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Insider tip

Come around sunset - the lighting is spectacular and temperatures are milder. The memorial stones are still well readable in the evening.

Geography

Coordinates

8.95100, -79.53100

Facts

The central obelisk stands 18 meters tall and is capped by a Gallic rooster.
The plaza commemorates the 22,000 workers who died during the French canal project.
It was designed by architect Leonardo Villanueva Meyer in the early 1920s.
The vaults, or Las Bóvedas, were originally built by the Spanish as a fortress.
A plaque honors Dr. Carlos J. Finlay for identifying mosquitoes as yellow fever carriers.
The site provides a panoramic view of the entrance to the Panama Canal.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

National Theatre of Panama<1 km · SExplore →

Punta Culebra Nature Center1 km · NWExplore →

Cerro San Miguel2 km · NEExplore →

Ancón Hill2 km · SExplore →

National Zoo of Panama3 km · SEExplore →

Torre Las Américas3 km · NExplore →

Bridge of the Americas4 km · SExplore →

Panama Thermal Power Plant4 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town French Plaza (3)

Panama Canal Museum📍 landmark

Museum covering the history of the Panama Canal, housed in a historic building.

Museum of History of Panama 📍 landmark

Exhibits on Panamanian history from colonial times to the present day.

Casco Viejo, Panama📍 landmark

Historic district in Panama City with colonial architecture and narrow streets.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called Plaza Francia?

In honor of the French who participated in the canal construction.

Are there museums there?

Yes, there is a small museum in the adjacent vaults.

Is the place windy?

Yes, since it is right on the coast, there is often a breeze.

What is the best photo spot?

The monument in the center provides a beautiful subject.

Is the square crowded?

On weekdays, it is usually quiet.

French Plaza: where is it located?

French Plaza is located in Panama.

French Plaza: what is there to see?

Highlights include Panama Canal Museum, Museum of History of Panama, Casco Viejo, Panama.

French Plaza: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

French Plaza: why is it worth visiting?

Plaza de Francia is a grand monument located at the southeastern tip of the Casco Viejo peninsula in Panama City, dedicated to the French effort to construct the Panama Canal.

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