Curious to know why a city bears the proud name Villeneuve-d’Ascq? It means new city of Ascq. Today we explore this vibrant commune in northern France. Villeneuve-d’Ascq is part of the Nord department. It thrives as a main city within the Mètropole Européenne de Lille.
Villeneuve-d’Ascq’s story is interesting. It began with the merging of three old communes. These were Ascq Annappes and Flers-lez-Lille. This merger happened in 1970. The city’s name honors Ascq. It also reflects the area’s transformation.
Did you know Villeneuve-d’Ascq has a nickname? It is known as the green technopole. This name comes from its blend of research facilities and pleasant living spaces. The city is home to campuses of the University of Lille. It also hosts graduate engineering schools. Many companies have set up shop here.
Villeneuve-d’Ascq has a rich economy. Multinational corporations have their headquarters here. These include Bonduelle Cofidis and Decathlon. The city also hosts European headquarters for other companies. These include McCain Foods and Xerox.
Beyond business Villeneuve-d’Ascq values education. It serves as a first academic hub in the metropolitan area. Around 42000 students study here. About 2500 researchers work here too.
Villeneuve-d’Ascq boasts many academic institutions. The University of Lille has two main campuses here. These are Cité Scientifique and Pont de Bois. Other institutions include École Centrale de Lille. There is also École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Lille.
Villeneuve-d’Ascq is also known for sports. It has two stadiums. These are Stade Pierre-Mauroy and Stadium Lille Métropole. The city has hosted major sporting events. It has facilities for disabled people.
In transport Villeneuve-d’Ascq is well-connected. It was the birthplace of the world’s first automatic metro system. This is the VAL system. In fact VAL originally stood for Villeneuve-d’Ascq à Lille.
The city’s commitment to sports is clear. In 1996 Villeneuve-d’Ascq was named the most sportive city of France. In 1999 it was the most disabled sportive city. A third of the city’s population has a sports license.
Imagine the vibrant mix of old and new that defines Villeneuve-d’Ascq. It is a hub of education science and business. All set within a green and accessible environment. Villeneuve-d’Ascq offers a unique blend of innovation and tradition. It remembers its past. It also embraces the future. This is what makes it a special place in northern France.