Might it surprise you that Rue de Condé once bore a different name? In 1792 it was renamed Rue de l’Égalité. This name change reflected the revolutionary fervor sweeping France.
Rue de Condé has seen dramatic shifts in French history. It even witnessed the execution of some of its residents. Lucile Desmoulins lived at Number 22. Jean-Baptiste le Rebours resided at Number 28. Both met their end by the guillotine in 1794.
Lucile Desmoulins’ story is particularly poignant. She married Camille Desmoulins in 1790. Robespierre attended their wedding. He had once been briefly engaged to her sister. Lucile was arrested for plotting to free her husband from prison. Both Camille and Danton were guillotined the same day. Lucile followed them to the guillotine a week later. She was only 24 years old.
Le Rebours’ fate was quite different. He was Lord of Saint Mard. He had chaired the Royal Court’s Committee of Requests. He was executed shortly after Robespierre introduced the Great Terror law. This law removed prisoners’ rights to defense. Executions increased dramatically.
After Napoleon crowned himself Emperor in 1804 the street reverted to Rue de Condé in 1805. The name is an aristocratic reference to a junior branch of the Bourbons.
Let’s jump ahead to a different era on Rue de Condé. The arsenal of Lille was rebuilt here in 1875. Previously it stood on the Place de l’Arsenal. The original building was destroyed. The new arsenal formed a large quadrangle. It extended to the Boulevard de Strasbourg. Today parts of the original buildings still stand. Look for the entrance gate and pavilions at numbers 117, 117 bis and 119.
Rue de Condé even has connections to literature and political action. George Sand lived at Number 8. She stayed in her son’s flat for a few months in 1848. During that time she edited political texts for Alexandre Ledru-Rollin. He worked at the Luxembourg Palace.
The echoes of history resonate strongly here on Rue de Condé. From revolutionary fervor to aristocratic echoes. From literary figures to military structures this street embodies Lille’s multifaceted past. As you continue your exploration consider the lives that unfolded here. Consider the events that shaped this place. Consider the stories that linger in its stones.