Did you know a hidden gem of Lille’s history resides at 3 Rue Boissy d’Anglas? It’s not a grand monument or a famous square. It’s a story woven with the aroma of spices. Rue Boissy d’Anglas, a seemingly ordinary street, houses a unique enterprise. Since October 2016, the second floor of number 3 has been home to a specialized workshop run by the Esat de Lille. This isn’t your typical workshop. Here, the air hums with the scent of exotic spices, dried fruits, and sweet and savory delicacies. This is the home of “Il était une noix,” an online épicerie.
Rue Boissy d’Anglas echoes with the activity of workers preparing customized orders. These aren’t just any orders. They are carefully curated selections of spices, mixes, dried fruits, and legumes. These packages travel not just across France, but to Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, and even Great Britain. The workshop on Rue Boissy d’Anglas is a hub of international flavor. The team size fluctuates, depending on the order volume. Mondays can see 40 to 50 orders waiting to be filled after the weekend rush. Tuesdays through Fridays are a bit calmer, with 10 to 15 orders. The workers, under the guidance of their monitors, handle the process with impressive autonomy.
At Rue Boissy d’Anglas, the workers of “Il était une noix” aren’t just packing spices. They’re navigating a world of 110 different products. From chia seeds and chocolate-covered ginger to Brazil nuts and Hawaiian red salt, each ingredient tells a story. The workers weigh, bag, label, and prepare the packages for their journeys. This work demands precision, reading, writing, and computer skills. It’s a testament to the capabilities of the twelve individuals who form this dedicated team. Rue Boissy d’Anglas is more than just a street. It’s a place where skills are honed, autonomy is fostered, and the world is brought a little closer, one spice at a time. It’s a hidden gem, tucked away in the heart of Lille, waiting to be discovered.