Perhaps, if we listen closely, we can hear echoes of lords and ladies at Brigode. Brigode is a district of Villeneuve-d’Ascq in the Nord department. Its name comes from a famous Annappes family. They owned a chateau on the site of the current district. It was called the Chateau de Brigode.
Once, Brigode was part of Annappes. In 1770, Pierre Jacques Joseph de Brigode built the Chateau de Brigode. It stood near Annappes. Later, his son Romain-Joseph de Brigode created an English-style park there. It was known as Brigode Park.
The Chateau later became the property of the Comte de Montalembert. During World War II, King George VI of the United Kingdom and Hermann Goring stayed at the chateau.
In the 1960s, a plan emerged. It aimed to build a “City of Executives.” This was to provide a pleasant living environment. The goal was to keep executives in the region. The district was built after Geoffroy de Montalembert sold his 140-hectare estate. He sold it to Sedaf.
Before the new town district, Brigode was mostly woods and marshland. It continued into Heron Park. In 1969, the chateau was completely demolished. Today, only the outbuildings from 1820 remain. These serve as a clubhouse for the Brigode golf course. The last cranes in Brigode were seen in 1985.
Brigode was built as an American-style landscaped area. Pavilions are separated by green squares. It is one of the greenest districts in the new town. It has a wealthy population. In 1999, 70% of residents were owners. Sixty-three percent were executives.
The ground in Brigode is marshy. This is due to the presence of the Marque River. Brigode is bordered by several areas. These include the Marque River to the east. To the west are Lac Saint-Jean and Rue du 8-Mai-1945. The urban park and Heron Park are to the north. To the south lie Avenue du Bois, Rue Anne-Joseph-du-Bourg and more. These also include Allées du Socque, du Val Saint-Jean and de la Sologne. You’ll also find Boulevard du Comte-de-Montalembert, Avenue du Quennelet and Rue Masséna.
Golf de Brigode is near Lille. American architect Bill Baker designed its 18-hole course. He used the natural terrain effectively. The course is technical but manageable. It is relatively flat and enjoyable to walk. Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards add to the challenge.
Today, Brigode stands as a testament to its layered past. From noble estates to modern urban planning. It is a blend of nature and development. Brigode offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of a community.