Trace back to the 1860s. That’s when Rue Jacquemars-Giélée came into being. This street in Lille has a story to tell. It stretches 820 meters. The Rue Jacquemars-Giélée connects Boulevard Vauban and Place de la République.
The street’s creation followed Lille’s expansion in 1858. City planners built it on land freed by the old fortifications. These fortifications dated back to 1670. Vauban designed them to protect the city from sieges. This area used to flood to deter enemies.
Originally the street was named Rue de Beauharnais. After the Second Empire fell it was renamed. It became Rue Jacquemars-Giélée. The street honors a poet from the Middle Ages. His name was Jacquemart Giélée. He was born in Lille.
Jacquemart Giélée wrote “Renart le Nouvel” around 1288. This poem is a sequel to “Roman de Renart”. It has over 8000 verses. The poem satirizes society. It depicts a struggle between Noble the lion and Renart the fox. In the end evil triumphs.
Look around at the architecture. The prefecture building stands out. Its facades and roofs are protected historical monuments. So are the grand staircase and a 1900s office. The decree protects them.
At number 74, you’ll find the Nord Departmental Archives. Léonce Hainez erected them between 1906 and 1908.
The Rue Jacquemars-Giélée isn’t perfectly parallel to Rue Solférino. It also isn’t parallel to Boulevard de la Liberté. It gets slightly closer to Boulevard de la Liberté as you head south.
The street crosses Rue Nationale at an angle. This happens at Place de Strasbourg. The square has a star pattern. It is typical of 19th-century urban planning.
If you need the metro, République – Beaux-Arts station is nearby. It is at one end of the street.
Today Rue Jacquemars-Giélée is home to modern establishments too. For example, there is the Imagerie Médicale Jacquemars Giélée. This radiology center is at number 73 and 75. Also along the street is Artchives. Artchives is a gallery, restaurant and bar all in one. It’s known for its unique cocktails and atmosphere.
So as you stroll along Rue Jacquemars-Giélée remember its past. From fortifications to poetry to modern life this street encapsulates Lille’s history.