Paris1972-Versailles2003

It took me a while , worse when you have family about an hour from the city. But often said, living and visiting are two different things . When in the area stay with family and this time again,however, did it in reverse order, when to see Lille and its sights, (stay tune for posts), and then went to see family. Therefore, let me tell you more of the Citadel of Lille !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.

Vauban expanded and fortified the city, and built the citadel, the houses of rue Royale, built in the new district facing the citadel, The whole area around it facing towards the old town is grand wonderful to walk even with a dog as Rex really enjoy it here! 

In December 1667, Vauban was only 34 years old when he began work on the future citadel of Lille. The choice is daring: to build in the middle of a marshy area. It will only take three years for Vauban to bring the fortress out of the ground: A titanic project: 2000 men, 60 million bricks, 3.3 million concrete blocks, 60,000 feet of sandstone and a canal dug specially to facilitate the arrival of the materials. The Citadel is a magnificent place that we invite you to discover: From 1880, the spaces around the citadel of Lille were developed into promenades. The Bois de Boulogne, the Champs de Mars, the paths along the Deûle are still the favorite destination of Lille residents. It is by walking around the magnificent promenade des Remparts (1km 850 m) that you best discover the particular aspect of the defensive system of the Citadel.

The citadel of Lille by Avenue du 43e régiment d’infanterie is the city’s main military structure. Nicknamed the “Queen of Citadels” by Vauban himself, it was the first of the citadels he designed. Appointed governor of the citadel in 1668 then of Lille in 1684, Vauban spent most of his life there, beginning in 1668 and ending in 1671. Built on marshy land on the banks of the Deûle, it is presented under the shape of a regular pentagon with five royal bastions arranged at the corners. Inside, the buildings are organized around the parade ground and include housing for soldiers, the staff and the governor, powder magazines, prisons, an arsenal, a chapel, stores for food, a barber, a bakery and a mill. Constantly militarized since its construction, it is in an exceptional state of conservation. The citadel is part of a complex defense system which surrounded the city. Please note, this is a military zone therefore you cannot enter the center of it just walk around it. On European Heritage Days and on tours from the tourist office you can on certain dates.

The magnificent Pont Napoléon is a curiosity in more than one way: firstly because its identical reconstruction is a real success…. Then because its architecture is unique in France, finally because, like a cat, this quiet bridge has had several lives. The place already has a lot of charm and will little by little take a bigger place in the metamorphosis of the Esplanade and the Champ de Mars. Climb the few steps and stop for a moment to contemplate the long perspective of the paths and banks of the Moyenne-Deûle, the Lille zoo has just been completely renovated this year. You will see more than 300 animals presented in 6 different themed areas. Please note that entry is free.

There you go folks, a dandy city of the Nord that is North of France. I was finally back to Lille and it was great with many family memories flashing but glad I did it now. Again, hope you enjoy the post on the Citadel of Lille as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!