Water once shaped Lille’s destiny. Now it’s time to talk about Rue de la Glacière. This street shares in Lille’s rich story. Lille began as an island. The Deûle River played a key role. It was a vital trade route. Goods had to be unloaded here. This made Lille a port city. This was the start of Lille’s future as a trading center.
Lille has seen many battles. It has been passed between different powers for centuries. Some say it is the most destroyed city in French history. Lille witnessed wars. In the war of Flanders the County of Flanders fought against France. Lille was the site of bloody battles in 1297, 1302, and 1304.
Later in 1667, the War of Devolution took place. Vauban and Turenne led a siege. Lille surrendered to France. Vauban then built the Lille Citadel. He called it “the Queen of Citadels”. In 1708, during the Spanish Succession War, Prince Eugene of Savoy took Lille after a long siege.
The Germans occupied Lille in both World War I and World War II. The Allies freed Lille. However, the city suffered significant damage from bombings. Lille’s history includes legends. A legend tells of the giant Lydéric. He founded Lille in 640. Lydéric defeated the giant Phinaert. Today the parade of the giants of Lille celebrates this legend.
The Braderie de Lille is a famous event. Its origins date back to 1127. Servants were allowed to sell old items once a year. Over time this became the Lille fair. By the 16th century, the fair lasted seven days. Mussels were eaten here for 100 years.
Lille’s architecture evolved over time. The architecture includes unique characteristics. Also shared with the surrounding region and Belgium. Townhouses are a special feature of Lille architecture. Until the 1960s, Lille’s architecture was neglected. However, restoration efforts have made Lille more attractive.
Rue de la Glacière stands as part of this changing city. The street echoes with the sounds of the past. It reflects Lille’s journey through time. Lille is also known as the “Latin Quarter.” There are sites dedicated to knowledge here. The town hall and its belfry are iconic.
Wazemmes is famous for its Sunday market. It is a place of exchange and culture. The Deûle canal flows through a charming district. This area is still not well known by tourists. Euratechnologies is located here. It is Europe’s largest start-up incubator.
Lille became a major rail hub. The Lille-Europe railway station was built. This area includes Parc Matisse and the Jardin des Géants. Jean Pattou’s fresco is visible in the Lille-Europe metro station. Rue de la Glacière helps paint Lille’s story. It is a story of water, battles, legends and architecture. It represents the spirit of Lille.