Again,the story continues, It took me a while , worse when you have family about an hour from the city. When in the area stay with family and this time again,however, did it in reverse order, when to see Lille and its sights, and then went to see family. This is getting to the end of this saga on Lille, memories forever, Therefore, let me tell you about the curiosities of Lille, part I !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
Founded by the Jesuits in 1876, Saint-Joseph College was built to the plans of the architect Auguste Mourcou, known for having also designed the Rameau Palace (see below).It became the Saint-Paul college in 1968. It ceased to exist as such 92 years later in June 1968 to constitute the Saint-Paul School Center with two other Lille schools, the Jeanne d’Arc Boys’ Institution and the Institution for Girls of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. It is located at 92 Rue Solférino.
The Hôtel de Marchiennes is a private mansion located at 191 rue Pierre-Mauroy Located within the walls of the fortified city, the hotel was a former refuge of the Abbey of Marchiennes which served as accommodation for the Abbot of Marchiennes and passing religious people. The refuge was founded in 1620 by Jean de Joncquoy, abbot of Marchiennes, from two houses purchased from the Minimes community. Only the porch, dated 1626, remains of the original constructions. It was in this hotel that the preservation association Renaissance du Lille Ancien was founded in 1964.
The Casino Barrière de Lille was inaugurated in 2010. It is located 200 meters from the Lille Europe train station (see post) between the center of Lille and Old Lille, in the modern Euralille business district (see post). The high-end multi-leisure complex range of 40,000 m2 brings together in a modern glass construction 40 meters high a games area of more than 12,000 m2 for more than 300 slot machines and 20 traditional and electronic games tables; three restaurants including a luxury gourmet restaurant; four themed bars, a 680-space car park on four basement levels, as well as spaces reserved for events
The official Casino Barriere of Lille : https://www.casinosbarriere.com/fr/lille.html
The Lille Grand Palais is a complex located in the heart of the Lilloise Metropolis. Inaugurated in 1994, it brings together three complementary spaces: a Convention Center, Exhibition Halls and a Zénith Arena. Lille Grand Palais hosts all types of events: congresses, conventions, symposia, seminars, corporate events, trade and general public shows, exhibitions, etc. It is also an event organizer/producer. The land on which Lille Grand Palais is established makes part of the area of the fortifications dismantled in 1919 opposite the Tournai Gate destroyed in 1924.
The official Grand Palais de Lille : https://www.lillegrandpalais.com/
The Zénith de Lille or Zénith Arena de Lille is a performance hall located close to the regional headquarters, the Euralille shopping center and the two Lille train stations. The Zénith hosts all types of events with a maximum capacity of 7,000 spectators. It is adjacent to the Lille Grand Palais convention center. It comes from the political will of former Mayor Pierre Mauroy to make Lille a great European metropolis. The project was initiated in the 1980s and the building opened its doors in November 1994.
The official Zénith of Lille : https://www.zenithdelille.com/
This is Printemps located at 39-45 Rue Nationale, it was near our apartment, Multi-brand ready-to-wear brand for adults and children, beauty, home and luxury items. Enough said,
The official Printemps dept store of Lille ; https://www.printemps.com/fr/fr/printemps-lille
The Hôtel L’Hermitage Gantois is part of the Marrriott Autograph Collection located at 224 Rue Pierre Mauroy , Behind a magnificent Flemish Gothic facade hides a hotel museum. Serenity, Welcome, Service, Gastronomy. The Hermitage Gantois welcomes you in a 15C building, a historic monument. In the heart of Lille, between Grand’ Place and Hôtel de Ville, at the foot of the Belfry, 5 minutes from the train stations, Just passed by but a wonderful architecture and luxury à la Française !
The official historical hotel L’Hermitage Gantois : https://www.hotelhermitagegantois.com/
The Palais Rameau is a floral and artistic exhibition hall built in 1878 thanks to the bequest of Charles Rameau, President of the Lille horticultural society. It was originally dedicated to flower and fruit exhibitions, but also to music and the arts. The Palais Rameau is currently the subject of a vast renovation to see the birth of an innovative project tomorrow, convergence of science, pedagogy and experimentation, focused on urban agriculture. The renovation and development work should continue until spring 2024 for an opening in September of the same year. Ultimately, 3600 m2 dedicated to the agriculture of tomorrow will be opened, as well as 5500 m2 of outdoor spaces. It is located at 39 Boulevard Vauban.
We did indulge ourselves with a nice lunch at Notting Hill Coffee located at 2 place du Théâtre, It’s easy to find this place due to its great location. The staff is friendly and prompt, You will appreciate the homey decor and spectacular ambiance of this cafe We went upstairs with a great view of the square !
The official Notting Hill Coffee (ordering info only) : https://www.nottinghill-coffee.com/
I must add just for the memories as passing took no pictures but did patronize for groceries the Aldi supermarket at 154 Rue Solférino and the take out Pizza Hut at 146 / 148 Rue Solférino very handy as were near our apartment, (see post)
For reference, the Lille tourist office: https://en.lilletourism.com/
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 curiosities of Lille, part I as I
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 