Place du Carnaval

Oddly enough, Place du Carnaval wasn’t always a place for festivities. Place du Carnaval, also known as Place du Général-de-Gaulle or Grand’Place, has a rich history. It evolved from a marshy area occupied by the Deûle River. In the 13th century, the city aldermen began transforming this space. They canalized the river and gradually raised the ground. This created a marketplace, initially known as the “Place du Marché”. Place du Carnaval became the heart of Lille. It hosted not just markets but also key events. The Épinette festival, with its equestrian jousts, was a major attraction. Sadly, the festival was eventually halted in 1556 by Philip II of Spain. The square continued to evolve. In the 17th century, the construction of the Vieille Bourse divided it into the Grand-Place and Petite-Place. This further solidified Place du Carnaval’s role as a central gathering point. During the French Revolution, the square witnessed dramatic events. Theobald de Dillon met a tragic end in a pyre. One of his executioners was later guillotined on the same spot. Yet, the square also saw celebrations. A liberty tree was planted here, symbolizing the changing times. Place du Carnaval has always been a place of contrasts. It’s where joy and sorrow, celebration and tragedy have intertwined throughout history. After the liberation of Lille in World War II, the square was renamed to honor Charles de Gaulle. He was born in Lille in 1890. Today, the spirit of celebration lives on in the square’s name, Place du Carnaval, a reminder of its vibrant past and continuing role as a gathering place for the people of Lille.