“Ever been curious about how a street can reflect a city’s evolution?” That’s the question I want to answer today as we stand here on Rue du Faubourg des Postes. This street is more than just a road. It’s a piece of Lille’s history.
Rue du Faubourg des Postes stretches out connecting Lille to its past. It links the 19th-century city to the boulevards that encircle it. The street leads towards the Théâtre Sébastopol. It extends to the Place de la République. On the other side it leads to Lille Sud. It also connects to Eurasanté and the hospitals indirectly.
Back in the 19th century, the area owes its development to the railway line from Béthune to Lille, established in 1867. Early buildings here had to be made of wood because of military regulations. If you were standing at the corner of Rue du Pôle Nord, now Rue Simons, you would have seen the old city walls and the Porte des Postes in the distance.
The railway crossing was a key feature of the Faubourg. The Porte des Postes station was located slightly back from the street. There was a popular spot called Estaminet Guéry. It was a tobacco shop and tavern housed in a wooden building. The building is still a tobacco shop today.
Much has changed. The train station is gone. Most of the wooden houses have been replaced with cement or brick buildings. The area is now fully developed. It reaches all the way to the ring road.
The street underwent a historical and programmatic study. The study aimed to analyze the urban landscape. It also sought to identify the street’s strengths and weaknesses. The goal was to create development plans that respected the area’s history. The study considered different options for improving the street and public spaces. The city had the final say.
Did you know that the study cost 10,000 euros? It was conducted in 2010.
Today, Rue du Faubourg des Postes is also home to modern conveniences. At number 2 Rue du Faubourg des Postes, you’ll find Relais Pickup BEAUTY PHONE. It is located in the Centre Commercial Lillenium. You can pick up parcels here. You can also send letters and buy stamps online. You can even ship a package directly from your mailbox.
So, as we continue our walk, remember that the Rue du Faubourg des Postes is a testament to Lille’s ability to adapt and grow. It has evolved while still keeping its connection to the past alive.