Rue Voltaire

Hidden within Lille’s embrace lies Rue Voltaire, a street whispering tales of centuries past. Imagine strolling down this 220-meter stretch, where echoes of history intertwine with the vibrant pulse of modern life. Rue Voltaire connects Rue Saint-André to Rue Royale, a pathway through time. Once known as “Rue des trois anguilles” (Three Eels Street) and later as Rue d’Angoulême, it finally adopted its current name in honor of the renowned writer, Voltaire. The street’s story begins in 1670. Lille expanded under Louis XIV, fresh from his conquest. Rue Voltaire emerged from land once granted to the Dominican monks. The land was given to them by the Collegiate Church of Saint-Pierre in 1234. Louis XIV, recognizing the value, compensated the Dominicans for their lost land, paving the way for this new artery in the city’s heart. Today, Rue Voltaire is primarily a residential haven, with limited commercial activity. A one-way street, traffic flows gently, allowing pedestrians to enjoy the charming atmosphere. Two rows of parking line the street, flanking narrow sidewalks that invite leisurely strolls. As you wander along, observe the architecture. The houses date back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries, built shortly after the city’s expansion. They showcase the classic Lille style, with graceful arches. One such house stands proudly on the corner of Rue Saint-André. Other houses feature “frontispice,” a design element regulated by the king’s architects to create a harmonious streetscape. This architectural detail included a sandstone base for the ground floor and decorative stone cordons around the windows. As you continue down Rue Voltaire, you’ll discover a hidden gem – Passage des Trois-Anguilles. This narrow passage, the slimmest in Lille, connects Rue Voltaire to Rue Négrier. It’s a secret pathway, a portal to a different era. Pause here, and imagine the whispers and secrets this passage has witnessed throughout the centuries. Rue Voltaire stands as a testament to Lille’s rich history, a quiet street where the past harmoniously coexists with the present.