Picture this. You are standing before the Chateau du Recueil a remarkable 19th-century chateau. This elegant building whispers tales of a bygone era. It was once the country home of Jean-Baptiste Smet a prominent figure in Lille’s history. He served as Lille’s mayor and later as a council member in Flers-lez-Lille.
Le Recueil itself is a fascinating neighborhood in Villeneuve-d’Ascq. Its name is believed to derive from the Seigneur Ribaut Escoel who once held a fiefdom here. The area was historically divided between the communes of Flers to the west and Annappes to the east. Imagine the lives lived here centuries ago. The land was quite different than it is today.
For many years Le Recueil was sparsely populated. In the 14th century a manor stood here. It was part of the seigneury of Roques. This manor was surrounded by farmland along the Marque River. The area also included the Hempempont section of Le Recueil. A significant road ran through the east of the neighborhood. It was a key route connecting Lille to Belgium.
In 1737 the priest of Annappes engaged in a lengthy legal battle. He sought support for a vicar from the Saint Pierre chapter. This legal battle reveals an intriguing detail about Le Recueil. It was known as “Little Holland”. Locals infrequently attended church services. This is a glimpse into the social and religious life of the time.
Fast forward to 1844. Jean-Baptiste Smet built his chateau. This grand estate demonstrated the attraction of countryside living for Lille’s wealthy citizens. The chateau stands as a reminder of that era. Then in 2007 a wave of development transformed Le Recueil. Four hundred new homes were built. This significantly increased the population density. This made Le Recueil a more modern and active place.
Today Le Recueil is home to a major Auchan Retail distribution center. It is also home to a department of the University of Lille I. This department is the Chemical Engineering and Production Department of the CREST IUT. A major private hospital also sits in Le Recueil. It merges maternity services from other area hospitals.
The Chateau du Recueil remains a striking landmark. It provides a tangible link to Le Recueil’s rich history. As you stand before it imagine the stories held within its walls. It’s a place where past and present intertwine. The Chateau du Recueil is a testament to the ever-evolving character of Le Recueil.