Question: Ever wondered about Lille’s hidden waterways? Let’s talk about the Cour de la Baignerie. This area holds secrets of a buried canal.
The Cour de la Baignerie whispers stories of Lille’s past. It was once crossed by the Canal de la Baignerie. This canal played a vital role in the city’s development.
In the Middle Ages, Lille was a network of canals. The Deûle River and other streams crisscrossed the area. The Canal de la Baignerie was one of the oldest. It was part of the Deûle’s historic course. Before the river was diverted, it flowed here.
Around 1415, after Lille annexed Sainte-Catherine parish, the canal was channeled. The river entered the city east of the Porte de la Barre. This area was near the old Tour des Fouans. From there to the Pont de Weppes, it became the Canal des Baigneries.
The Canal des Baigneries extended beyond the Rue Esquermoise. It continued as the Canal du Pont-de-Weppes. This was also known as Saint-Pierre or Saint-Martin. Then it became the Canal de la Monnaie. This canal fed the Saint-Pierre mill. Eventually, it joined the Basse Deûle. To the east, it connected to the Canal du Cirque. This encircled the feudal mound where the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille now stands.
In the early 17th century, the Faubourg du Molinel was annexed. The canal was extended to reach the new fortified enclosure at the Grille Saint-Catherine. This layout remained unchanged even after Vauban’s extension of the fortified perimeter in 1670.
By the 19th century, the canals faced problems. Industrial and household waste polluted them. This created health risks for residents. The Canal de la Baignerie, near the Pont d’Amour and a watering place on Rue des Bouchers, became known as “le Trou peu net” a rather unsavory spot.
Finally, in 1912, the Canal de la Baignerie was filled in. However, a small section remains visible today. It is located between Rue de la Baignerie and Rue des Bouchers. This remnant and the adjacent buildings received protection as historical monuments in 1993.
The protected area of the Cour de la Baignerie includes houses from the 18th century. These houses face Rue de la Baignerie, Place Maurice Schumann, and Rue des Bouchers. The houses at 4 Rue de la Baignerie, 8 Place Maurice Schumann, 4-6 Place Maurice Schumann, 2 Place Maurice Schumann, and 40 Rue des Bouchers are also protected.
Today, as you stand here in the Cour de la Baignerie, imagine the canal flowing beneath your feet. The Cour de la Baignerie is a reminder of Lille’s rich history. It shows how water shaped the city we see today.