D’Artagnan’s last night in France. That’s the legend whispered about Templemars. Right here before us stands a village steeped in history. A history far older than the famous musketeer.
Templemars boasts a rich past stretching back to Roman times. Its name itself hints at an ancient connection. Templum Martis. The Temple of Mars. Archaeological digs confirm settlements here long before the Romans. Celtic and Gallo-Roman traces mark the land. They reveal a strategic location. The Melantois area. A natural citadel protected by rivers and marshes. Some believe this was the site of a vast Celtic city. A city destroyed by Julius Caesar around 52 BC. The temple to Mars celebrated that victory.
Templemars’s strategic position continued to shape its destiny. In 1090 it became Imperial land. It enjoyed the privileges of sanctuary. For centuries it belonged to the lords of Cysoing. Then later the Kessel family owned part of Templemars. They built a new chateau in nearby Wattignies in 1640.
Templemars lay on the old road between Paris and Lille. In the 17th century its large inn hosted travelers. They stayed overnight before entering Lille. Lille’s gates closed at nightfall. The inn still exists. You can almost picture those weary travelers.
One remarkable guest was d’Artagnan. In May 1673 he stayed at the inn. He was traveling with his fellow musketeers. They were heading for Maastricht. It was d’Artagnan’s last night on French soil. He died during the siege of Maastricht. He received a fatal musket ball to the throat. The siege lasted from June 13-23. A French victory.
During the War of the Spanish Succession Templemars held another important place. In 1708 it was on the left flank of the British troops. The British troops were led by the 1st Duke of Marlborough. They faced French troops. The French troops came from the south. They tried to lift the siege of Lille. A German map confirms Templemars’s location during that siege.
The Paris-Lille railway line was opened in 1846. It went through Templemars. A passenger stop was added in 1879. It cost a considerable sum. The nearby towns shared the expense.
Today Templemars is home to Castorama’s head office. A large French DIY company. It’s a testament to Templemars’ continued evolution. Yet it retains a quiet charm. It holds the echoes of its vibrant past. From the Temple of Mars to d’Artagnan’s last night. Templemars offers a captivating journey through time.