Paris Honors Charles Aznavour With “La Bohème” Belvedere in Montmartre

On the 101st anniversary of his birth, Charles Aznavour’s unforgettable legacy received a beautiful new tribute in the city that helped make him a star. In the heart of Paris, in the Montmartre district, a scenic viewpoint was officially named “La Bohème” Belvedere — after one of Aznavour’s most beloved songs. It’s a powerful reminder of a man whose voice, music, and heart belonged not only to France, but to the Armenian people across the world.

This special event was announced by the Armenian Embassy in France and it was a moment of pride for both Armenians and the French. Armenia’s Ambassador to France, Arman Khachatryan, thanked Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and the entire City Council for this important gesture. In his speech, Khachatryan said that while Aznavour was a symbol of French culture, he was also a proud son of Armenia who never forgot his roots.

Charles Aznavour was born in Paris in 1924 to Armenian parents who had fled the Armenian Genocide. From a young age, he was surrounded by the stories and pain of his people, but also their strength and resilience. These experiences helped shape his music and identity.

Throughout his long and successful career, Aznavour sang in many languages — French, English, Spanish, Italian, and Armenian — and sold over 100 million records worldwide. He was known for his poetic lyrics, emotional voice, and unforgettable performances. Songs like La Bohème, She, and Hier Encore are still loved by generations of fans.

But Charles Aznavour was more than a singer. After Armenia gained independence in 1991, he became one of its most passionate supporters. He was officially named Armenia’s ambassador to UNESCO and to Switzerland, and in 2004, he was recognized as a National Hero of Armenia — the country’s highest honor.

He raised funds after the 1988 earthquake in Armenia, used his fame to draw global attention to the needs of Armenians, and always spoke proudly about his heritage. He showed the world that being Armenian and being French were not separate — they could exist in harmony.

At the opening of the “La Bohème” Belvedere, many came to celebrate Aznavour’s life. His son, Misha Aznavour, attended the ceremony, along with local leaders, artists, and residents of the 18th arrondissement. Everyone there understood they were honoring more than a singer — they were honoring a voice of love, longing, and loyalty to one’s roots.

The name “La Bohème” carries deep meaning. It tells the story of a young artist in Montmartre, full of dreams, struggling but in love with life. It reflects Aznavour’s own journey — from a child of refugees to a global icon — and now the hilltop in Montmartre, where artists once lived and worked, carries his legacy forward.

Charles Aznavour passed away in 2018 at the age of 94, but his music and mission live on. He showed that an artist can change the world — not just with songs, but with action, love, and courage.

For Armenians everywhere, Aznavour was a shining light. He stood up for truth, gave back to his people, and never forgot the past — while always pushing forward with hope.