Perhaps you’ve wondered about the name “Pont-de-Bois” as you stand here? Pont-de-Bois translates to “wooden bridge”. This area is more than just a name. It is a vibrant district in Villeneuve-d’Ascq. This lively area is home to about 5,700 residents.
Pont-de-Bois has a rich history. It was once part of the commune of Annappes. The area saw significant changes starting in 1966. That year, the University of Lille decided to establish its literary campus here. By 1974, the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences had moved from Lille to Pont-de-Bois. Architects Pierre Vago and Andrè Lys designed its buildings.
The development of Pont-de-Bois continued. Construction of 1,077 new homes began in late 1974. By June 1977, these homes were ready. The École Bossuet opened its doors in 1977. The Lycée Raymond Queneau followed soon after, opening in November 1977. The main construction in Pont-de-Bois finished by the end of 1978. The remaining work was completed by 1980.
The architecture in Pont-de-Bois is unique. After a national competition, Alexis Josic designed 1,200 social housing units. These units featured duplex and triplex interiors. Large bay windows brought in lots of light. The design included staggered volumes. This created a lively space with walkways and galleries.
The University of Lille’s literary campus is a central feature of Pont-de-Bois. It is home to the humanities, languages, literature, and arts faculties. The Lycée Raymond Queneau is the only public general education high school in the city.
The Parc des Facultés sits in the middle of the university campus. Here, you can find La Tour de Rêves. It’s a metal sculpture by Berto Lardera.
Transportation is convenient in Pont-de-Bois. The Pont-de-Bois station is on Line 1 of the Lille Metro. Several bus lines also serve the area. These include lines L6, 13, 32, 34, 73, 910, and 968.
Pont-de-Bois has evolved over the years. It was once part of an urban social cohesion contract. In 2015, it became a priority district. In 2018, the poverty rate was 49%. Ninety-eight percent of the housing units are social housing.
Today, Pont-de-Bois stands as a testament to thoughtful urban planning. It blends university life with residential living. Its architecture and history make it a unique part of Villeneuve-d’Ascq.