Right here at the Grand Place in Lille, time unfolds like a captivating story. This is not just a square. It is the historic main square. It is locally known as Grand Place or more rarely Place de la Déesse.
Originally designed in the Middle Ages for commerce, Grand Place aimed to satisfy the population’s need for food. The square was built on a marshy area. Extensive drainage work accommodated the grain market in the 14th century.
Why Grand Place you ask? Originally, the square where trade occurred was huge. The construction of the Vieille Bourse in the 17th century divided the Grand Place from the Petite Place. The Petite Place is now the Place du Théâtre.
Look around at this open-air stage. Grand Place shows the evolution of architectural fashions, customs, and influences. The city’s geographical position is visually apparent. The rang du Beauregard shows a Flemish influence. The Grand-Garde, now the Théâtre du Nord, represents French-style architecture.
At the center of the square, stands the Column of the Goddess. It commemorates Lille’s resistance to Austrian soldiers in 1792. Douais artist Théophile Bra sculpted it. Architect Charles Benvignat designed the column.
To the left, the three graces crown the Voix du Nord building. Raymond Couvegnes created them. They symbolize three of the region’s provinces. Artois carries a Newfoundland. Flanders holds a sheaf of wheat. Hainaut lets a carrier pigeon escape.
Since 1944, the square has been named after General de Gaulle. This is in tribute to the Lille-born former head of state. The Place du Général-de-Gaulle continues to serve as a grand plaza. It is used for festivities, exchanges, commercial activities, and various events. It is still the heart of Lille’s braderie.
The buildings around Grand Place show Lille’s architecture between the 17th and 20th centuries. The oldest building is the Vieille Bourse. This building has typical 17th-century Flemish Renaissance architecture. It separates the Grand Place from the Place du Théâtre. Julien Destrée designed it in 1652. It was completed the following year. It housed Lille’s Chamber of Commerce until the 19th century.
Next, is the Grande Garde. Thomas-Joseph Gombert built it in 1717. It housed the royal guard corps. Its classical façade is now the Théâtre du Nord.
In 1936, the building housing the local newspaper La Voix du Nord was built. Albert Laprade designed it. Its façade is reminiscent of the sparrow-stepped gable. The neo-Flemish façade features the coats of arms of the region’s main towns. Raymond Couvègnes created a bronze statue of the Three Graces on top. They symbolize Flanders, Artois, and Hainaut.
The building at the corner of Rue Neuve and Place du Général-de-Gaulle has been listed. The façades and roofs of other buildings have also been listed as historic monuments.
The townhouse at nos. 64-66 dates back to 1455. The Hotel Bellevue hosted Mozart during his European tour in 1765.
Since the Middle Ages, the market has sold wheat from the southern countryside to Flanders. By mid-century, a regular market had sprung up. Before the Vieille Bourse, traders met on the square. Margaret of Constantinople initiated the annual fair. The Braderie de Lille replaced it over time.
In the early 2010s, the Place du Général-de-Gaulle housed stores and restaurants. Le Furet du Nord is one of the largest bookstores in Europe. The Grand Place shopping arcade lies beneath the La Voix du Nord building.
Since the elimination of surface parking in 1989, the Grand Place has become a major urban planning issue. Since Lille 2004, the square has hosted temporary exhibitions.
The army used to hold demonstrations of strength, exercises, and parades here. The square was home to the alderman’s hall and belfry. It was used for executions.
In February 1269, Marguerite of Constantinople instituted the Procession. This religious festival honored Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille.
François Watteau painted the Grand Place. The painting is on display at the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse in Lille.
From its medieval origins to its modern-day vibrancy, Grand Place encapsulates the spirit of Lille. It is a place of history, culture, and community. Take a moment to soak it all in. The story of Grand Place continues to unfold around you.