Had the Abott Groulx known his generosity would birth such a magnificent structure? Here we stand before Église Saint-Lambert de Vaugirard. It’s a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture. Église Saint-Lambert de Vaugirard isn’t just a beautiful building. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Vaugirard community, a place of worship that has witnessed centuries of change and transformation.
The church we see today, completed in 1856, replaced an older structure. That original church, dating back to 1342, stood near the present-day Place Henri-Rollet. It served the small village of Val Girard, nestled amidst pastures and vineyards. The villagers, tired of the long trek to Issy for services, petitioned for their own church. Their plea was answered, and the first Église Saint-Lambert, dedicated to Notre-Dame, was built.
In 1453, the church received the relics of Saint Lambert of Maastricht. He was known for healing kidney stones and hernias. The church became a pilgrimage site, and eventually adopted the name of its patron saint. Église Saint-Lambert de Vaugirard continued to serve the community. Even throughout the tumultuous years of the French Revolution, it remained a place of devotion. Though briefly repurposed for the Cult of Reason and later as a fodder store. Services resumed in 1800.
By the mid-19th century, Vaugirard had grown. The old church was deemed too small and too far from the town center. The current Église Saint-Lambert de Vaugirard was built on land donated by Abbot Groulx. Its construction, between 1848 and 1856, marked a new chapter in the church’s history. The architect, P. Naissant, created a masterpiece of neo-Romanesque design. The church boasts impressive dimensions. It measures 58 meters long, 25.5 meters wide, and its bell tower soars 50 meters high.
Inside, Église Saint-Lambert de Vaugirard holds a treasure trove of art and history. Beautiful stained-glass windows illuminate the space. Contemporary sacred art pieces add to its richness. These include the Jubilee Cross by M. Bouchard, a depiction of Saint Lambert’s story by D. Sers Hermann, and a Madonna and Child by Sister Ezéchielle. And let’s not forget the magnificent 1901 Debierre organ. With three keyboards and 35 stops, it fills the church with glorious music.
Even the exterior of Église Saint-Lambert de Vaugirard has played a role in cinematic history. Its parvis, or square, was featured in François Truffaut’s 1967 film “The Bride Wore Black.” It’s the scene of a dramatic wedding day shooting. Interestingly, remnants of the original church can still be found within the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. Pieces of the old statue of Notre Dame du Pardon are preserved there. A connection to the church’s past. Église Saint-Lambert de Vaugirard is more than just a church. It’s a living story. A story of faith, community, and the passage of time.