Stepping onto Place Henri Rollet, you might not immediately recognize its historical significance. This small square in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, nestled at the intersection of Rue Desnouettes, Rue Saint-Lambert, and Rue de Vaugirard, holds a story that unfolds in the past, whispering through the ages.
Before the grandeur of the Place Henri Rollet, there was a humble church. The ancient Notre-Dame de la paroisse de Vaugirard, built in 1342, stood tall here. Sadly, this church eventually succumbed to the march of time, giving way to a new structure, the current Église Saint-Lambert de Vaugirard, erected in 1848.
But the name wouldn’t remain ‘Place Saint-Lambert’ much longer. The square’s namesake, Henri Rollet, a respected lawyer from the early 20th century, dedicated his life to improving conditions for children and adolescents. He established the Patronage de l’enfance et de l’adolescence at 379, rue de Vaugirard in 1912. In a touching tribute, the square was renamed in his honor in 1937, the year of his passing, solidifying his legacy in the heart of Paris.
Today, the square is a peaceful haven, home to a charming Wallace fountain, a reminder of Paris’ love for its public spaces. As you stand amidst the quiet tranquility of Place Henri Rollet, picture the echoes of history, the murmur of prayer in the old church, and the ringing of laughter as children played under the care of Henri Rollet. This space, though small, holds within it the stories of generations past and the echoes of a dedicated man whose name it now bears.