How about a journey to a street named after a French naval officer and novelist? That’s right. I’m talking about Rue Pierre Loti here in Lille.
Rue Pierre Loti is more than just a street. It is a place steeped in history and perhaps named after the famous French writer Louis Marie Julien Viaud, who later adopted the pen name Pierre Loti.
Let’s explore the story behind the name. Pierre Loti found himself captivated by Istanbul. So much so that he became an honorary citizen in 1920. Before that happened, Loti served in the Navy and traveled extensively in the Middle East and Far East. His experiences profoundly shaped his writing.
Pierre Loti’s connection to Turkey was deep. He even criticized Western policy toward Turkey in his 1913 book, Can Not Drive. After World War I, he openly accused France of being an invader. His affection for Turkey was well-known.
The city of Istanbul honored him by naming a street and a coffeehouse after him. The coffeehouse was on a hill. That hill became known as Pierre Loti Hill. It is a beautiful spot with a magical atmosphere and a magnificent view.
Interestingly enough, Lille also has a Rue Pierre Loti. This Lille street is home to the Résidence Pierre Loti. The Résidence Pierre Loti is a building constructed around 1971. It stands approximately 36 meters tall and has 13 floors. The building occupies a land area of 826 square meters. The Office Public d’HLM de la Communauté Urbaine de Lille commissioned it. The architectural style is modern.
Close to Rue Pierre Loti, you can find Square Pierre Loti. It is a small green space where you can relax. The square includes a playground. The square forbids dogs and active mobility.
Getting to Rue Pierre Loti is quite easy. Several bus lines serve the area. You can take bus lines 14, 15, 52, 58, or CITL. The nearest bus stop is Arbrisseau. It is about a 6-minute walk from Rue Pierre Loti. Metro line M1 also provides access. The closest metro station is Chu-Eurasanté. It is about a 16-minute walk away.
Rue Pierre Loti is a reminder of the connections between cultures. It shows the impact of one man’s love for a foreign land. So, as you walk along Rue Pierre Loti, remember the story of Pierre Loti. Think about his travels and his passion for Turkey.