Roland Garros's statue

The statue of Roland Garros

The Saint-Denis audio-guided tour passes the statue of Roland Garros, a pioneering aviator born in the city in 1888. Contrary to a common belief, this name, famous in the world of tennis, is first that of a hero of aviation, a child of Reunion.

A child of Saint-Denis turned pioneer

Born in Saint-Denis, Roland Garros spent part of his youth in Vietnam, where his father practised as a lawyer, before being sent alone to mainland France for his studies at the age of twelve. A graduate of HEC, he developed a passion for sport, cycling and then rugby, and took up mechanics and motor racing. He would later turn to aviation, a field in which he made history as one of the great pioneers of his time.

What there is to see

The statue, on Place Sarda Garriga at Le Barachois, pays tribute to this local son turned national figure. It recalls that Saint-Denis airport and the famous Parisian tennis stadium both bear his name. The monument is part of the seafront promenade, among the city's places of memory.

Practical information

The statue of Roland Garros can be seen freely, outdoors, on Place Sarda Garriga, at Le Barachois. It is a quick stop along the seafront promenade, accessible at any time and free of charge.

Who was Roland Garros ?

Born in Saint-Denis in 1888, he was a pioneering aviator; the island's airport and the Parisian tennis stadium bear his name.

Where is the statue ?

It is on Place Sarda Garriga, in the Barachois district, on the Saint-Denis seafront.