Rond-Point du Verger

What secrets does the Rond-Point du Verger hold? We stand here, at this seemingly ordinary intersection in Bondy, but its story stretches back to a time when roundabouts were a novelty. The Rond-Point du Verger may not be as famous as the Place de l’Étoile, but it shares a connection to the intriguing history of roundabouts in France. France holds a rather curious world record. It has the highest number of roundabouts, nearly half of the world’s total. This roundabout revolution began in Paris in 1906, with the creation of the Place de l’Étoile around the Arc de Triomphe. Urban planner Eugène Hénard envisioned this new type of road management to tame the chaotic traffic. While the Rond-Point du Verger in Bondy likely came later, it echoes this larger story of urban development. Interestingly, there’s a common misconception. People often confuse a “rond-point,” a place marked by a central structure, with a “carrefour giratoire,” a roundabout marked by road markings. So, as you stand at the Rond-Point du Verger, consider its place within this fascinating history of French urban design. From the grand Place de l’Étoile to this local roundabout, each one tells a story of how cities evolve and adapt.