A statue depicting French astronaut Thomas Pesquet has been stolen from its location at the base of Mont Ventoux in the Vaucluse region of southeastern France, prompting widespread calls for its return on social media. The theft has generated significant attention online, with users posting messages demanding the statue's return with phrases like "Give back the statue, seriously."
The stolen artwork was a silhouette-style representation of Pesquet, France's most famous active astronaut who has completed multiple missions to the International Space Station. The statue had been installed as a tribute to the renowned space explorer at the foot of the iconic Mont Ventoux, a famous mountain in the Provence region known for its significance in cycling's Tour de France.
Local authorities have been notified of the theft, and the incident has sparked considerable discussion among residents and visitors to the area. Mont Ventoux, standing at 1,909 meters tall, is a popular destination for tourists and cycling enthusiasts, making the statue a notable landmark for many visitors to the region.
The theft has particularly resonated on social media platforms, where supporters of Pesquet and local residents have expressed their frustration and disappointment. Many users have shared posts calling for the statue's return, emphasizing the cultural and symbolic importance of the tribute to the celebrated astronaut.
Pesquet, who has become a household name in France due to his space missions and active social media presence documenting life aboard the International Space Station, represents French excellence in space exploration. The stolen statue served as a source of local pride and a symbol of the region's connection to France's achievements in space science and technology.
