Gazing up at these colossal figures, you’re standing before Les Géants of Lille. They are more than just statues. They embody the spirit of this city, whispering tales of its rich, sometimes turbulent, past. Les Géants, Lyderic and Phinaert, stand guard at Lille’s city hall. They are frozen in a silent standoff, their story etched into the very fabric of this city.
Les Géants depict the legendary founder of Lille, Lyderic, and his adversary, the fearsome bandit Phinaert. They are a powerful representation of the city’s origin story. Their presence is a constant reminder of the struggle between good and evil, order and chaos, that shaped Lille’s identity. The statues themselves, crafted by Carlo Sarrabezolles in 1929, capture the tension of this legendary duel. Lyderic, youthful and determined, clutches his sword, a falcon perched on his shoulder. Phinaert, bearded and menacing, wields an axe, his shield raised in defiance.
The story of Les Géants goes back to the 7th century. Phinaert, a ruthless bandit, terrorized the region from his stronghold at the Château du Buc. Salvaert, a prince traveling through the area, was killed by Phinaert, but his pregnant wife, Ermengaert, escaped. She gave birth to a son, Lyderic, who was raised by a hermit. Upon learning of his parentage, Lyderic vowed revenge. He challenged Phinaert to a duel, ultimately vanquishing the bandit and liberating the region. As a reward, Lyderic received the title of Forestier des Flandres and the Château du Buc. People flocked to settle around the château, transforming the surrounding marshes and plains into fertile farmland. This settlement eventually grew into the city of Lille, with Lyderic hailed as its founder.
The current incarnations of Lyderic and Phinaert are not the first. They represent the fourth generation of giants in Lille. Earlier versions, made of wicker, graced the city’s processions, dating back to at least 1565. After a fire destroyed the previous resin giants in 1995, the current versions were meticulously recreated. Standing at 6.2 meters tall and weighing 280 kg each, they now reside permanently in the city hall, greeting visitors and serving as a tangible link to Lille’s legendary past. These figures, along with other giants like Jeanne Maillotte and Raoul de Godewarsvelde, are more than just large statues. They are a vibrant expression of Lille’s cultural heritage, celebrated in festivals and parades, keeping the city’s traditions alive. Les Géants of Lille remind us that history can be brought to life, not just in books, but in the towering figures that watch over us, whispering stories of courage, struggle, and the birth of a city.