Rumcinium a name whispered through time. That’s Ronchin for you. A commune in the Nord department of Hauts-de-France. It’s part of the European Metropolis of Lille a bustling hub of activity. Ronchin though retains a charm all its own. Its history stretches back centuries. Archaeological finds prove it was a place of settlement and passage during the Gaulish era. Tools from the prehistoric period have been unearthed. The name Rumcinium itself hints at a past rich with wild plants. It evolved into Ronchin. Its inhabitants are called Bruants a Picard word for cockchafers. They were plentiful amidst the thick brambles that once characterized the region.
Ronchin’s history is not merely one of ancient settlements. It also boasts a more recent past full of fascinating developments. Avenue Jean Jaurès formerly the Route Nationale de Douai saw its first house built in 1837. This building a cabaret-auberge was the birthplace of the famed Bruno Coquatrix. Over time more houses and mills sprang up along what is now Rue Anatole France. The 20th century brought changes. Many of these early buildings were demolished to make way for apartment buildings. However some treasures remain. The Villas Lebrun built in 1906 stand as testaments to the craftsmanship of their time. Each villa is unique a delightful collection of architectural styles.
The heart of Ronchin Grand Ronchin formed around a farm. This farm sits along Rue Roger Salengro once the main route. Many farm buildings remain many converted into homes. These buildings show us that this area was once very rural. The first town hall was erected here in 1840 in Place de la République. Later a new neighborhood was built in the 1950s. It was a response to the housing crisis after World War II. Fields pastures and quarries were transformed into homes. This development provided housing for 6500 inhabitants.
Ronchin’s growth continued into the 1970s. A new area called Le Champ du Cerf appeared. It was designated a ZAC Zone d’aménagement Concertée in 1972. This meant that its development was carefully planned. New roads and utilities made way for 1045 new homes. Schools sports facilities and community centers were built to accommodate the new population. Ronchin a place that blends the old and new. It is a testament to the region’s rich history and enduring spirit. It’s a place that deserves to be explored appreciated and remembered for its unique past and its bright future.