Does the name Marquette-lez-Lille ring a bell? This town is not just another spot on the map. Marquette-lez-Lille is a place where history whispers from every corner.
Marquette-lez-Lille sits where the Deûle and Marque rivers meet. The town’s name comes from the River Marque. This unique location has shaped its story through the ages.
Imagine stepping back in time. Recent digs have unearthed relics dating from the Neolithic era to the late Merovingian period. Marquette-lez-Lille has vast graveyards and Roman buildings. Abbey ruins tell tales of centuries past. These treasures were preserved thanks to the nearby rivers.
In the Middle Ages, Jeanne of Flanders founded a Cistercian abbey here in 1226. This abbey became one of the largest in France. It holds the tombs of Jeanne and her first husband, Ferdinand of Portugal. Marquette-lez-Lille entered French history because of this abbey.
The industrial era saw major firms set up shop in Marquette-lez-Lille. Les Grands Moulins de Paris and Kuhlman established factories here. Decauville and Massey Fergusson also operated here. These companies provided jobs and shaped the town.
Today, Marquette-lez-Lille is a lively town. It offers various activities all year round. Let’s explore some of its gems.
Admire Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Church. It was renovated in 2003. See its Merovingian and Cistercian vestiges. The church hosts archaeological exhibitions. Relics from the Cistercian abbey are displayed here. Gallo-Roman and Merovingian discoveries have joined the collection.
Visit the town hall. It was once a brick-and-stone château. Mr Desprets, a miller, commissioned it in the late 19th century. He founded a mill of the same name. In 1930, it became the town hall. Inside, you can see an effigy of Joan of Flanders. It stands 4.5 meters tall and weighs 80 kilos. The English garden around the building dates back to the early 20th century. It features a path, a pond and a play area for children.
Don’t miss the former premises of the Grands Moulins de Paris. Built around 1920, these large mills operated until 1986. They were listed as Historic Monuments in 2001. This former mill in the Flemish Revival style has five floors.
Another highlight is Saint Roch Chapel. It was built in honor of Saint Roch. He is the patron saint of many.
For a unique experience, take the Deûle Valley Tourist Tramway. The AMITRAM association runs these vintage trams. They date from the early 1900s and are listed as Historic Monuments. The trams offer a special way to see the Deûle riverside.
Explore the Domaine du Vert Bois. This superb park has a variety of trees. It’s a lovely place for families and runners. Enjoy mini golf, picnic areas and a children’s playground.
If you are here at the right time, experience the Fête des Chapons. This festival commemorates poverty. The town effigy is brought out by the brotherhood of the city of capons. The parade ends with the handing out of chapons. These are brioche buns in the shape of capons.
Marquette-lez-Lille truly blends history and modern life. Its rich past and vibrant present make it a destination to remember. Take a moment to appreciate the stories etched in its stones.