Ever wondered what connects Lille to Roubaix and Tourcoing? It’s the Grand Boulevard. This area is known locally as Allée de la Marne. Today we explore Allée de la Marne. We will discover its story.
Allée de la Marne is a segment of the Grand Boulevard. The Grand Boulevard is a network that links Lille to Roubaix and Tourcoing. It forms a Y shape. This layout promotes connection in the area.
The Grand Boulevard officially includes boulevards Carnot. It also encompasses avenues de la République. Furthermore it include avenues de Flandre. Do not forget avenue de la Marne. This network was inaugurated in 1909. It originally had tramways. Alfred Mongy designed the tram system. This system was a key element. It was the first major development for the Lille region.
Initially the Grand Boulevard had wide promenades. Also it had extensive plantings. It has since transformed. It is now a major road dominated by cars. The central part is now a fast road. It features interchanges.
This transformation has caused issues. The Grand Boulevard now divides neighborhoods. Since 2000 people have wanted to restore it. They seek to bring back its original purpose. That purpose is to promote leisurely walks.
Interestingly the tramway has always been in service. It is one of three French tramways that never stopped running. Saint-Étienne and Marseille also have continuous tram services.
Originally the Grand Boulevard went through fields. It connected Lille, Roubaix and Tourcoing. It did not account for other towns. The Y shape starts in Lille. It passes through La Madeleine. It reaches Marcq-en-Barœul. From there it splits. One branch heads to Tourcoing. The other goes to Roubaix.
The term Grand Boulevard covers all avenues opened at the same time. Théophile Bécour called it the Boulevard of the 20th Century. It was also nicknamed the Champs Élysées of the North. Some old postcards call it Nouveau Boulevard. Boulevard des Trois-Villes was another name. By the 1970s increased car traffic led to a grim nickname. People called it Boulevard de la Mort.
Each town decided on street names after construction. In 1909 Lille named its section Boulevard Carnot. La Madeleine and Mouvaux followed suit. Marcq-en-Barœul starts at Croisé-Laroche. This is known as Place des Trois-Villes. Street numbers also start here. The boulevards are named Lille, Roubaix and Tourcoing. An exception exists between Buisson and Saint-Maur. Here the name remains Boulevard Carnot.
In 1935 the Nord council wanted unified street names. Avenue de la République would be the name from La Madeleine to Croisé-Laroche. Avenue de la Marne would lead to Tourcoing. Avenue des Flandres would go towards Roubaix. In 1933 the Lille-Tourcoing section became part of Route Nationale 350. The Croisé-Laroche to Roubaix part became Route Nationale 350A. This later became Route Nationale 450 in 1978.
Since 2005 these sections belong to the Nord department. They are now Route Départementale 660 and 670. Since 2017 they are Route Métropolitaine 660 and 670. This followed the transfer of departmental roads. The transfer was to the European Metropolis of Lille.
The Grand Boulevard aimed to connect cities and promote urban development. Dr Bécour wanted to expand Lille beyond its walls. This initiative was supported by mayors and engineers. It aimed to improve living conditions.
Discussions began in 1896. Three projects were presented in 1899. The third proposal was accepted. It was from Ponts et Chaussées. Shaped like a Y it split at Croisé-Laroche. It passed through countryside avoiding demolition. Construction was approved in 1901. The boulevard Carnot connected Lille’s center to its fortifications.
Alfred Mongy got permission to pierce the fortifications in 1907. This was after starting efforts two years earlier. Expropriations finished in 1905. The project cost eight million francs in 1906. The tram company contributed a quarter of the cost. It dedicated lanes for various transport types.
The Grand Boulevard opened in 1909. Few attended the inauguration. The tramway started service the next Saturday. It quickly became popular. In 1912 the Grand Boulevard represented France. This was at the Second International Road Congress in London.
Today Allée de la Marne stands as part of a testament. It demonstrates ambitious urban planning. It shows the changing face of Lille over the years. It reflects the push and pull between progress and preservation. It offers a glimpse into the region’s dynamic history.