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MORE ON LILLE
The previous page on Lille
covered the basics and described those top five must-see tourist
attractions. This page covers more tourist attractions in Lille.
First we explore the gardens in the centre of Lille, two are
definitely worth some of your time. The large Bois de Boulogne and the
smaller but more more cultivated Vauban Gardens are the top candidates.
Then we outline what can be seen at the Citadel. St Maurice's church
in the centre of Lille is interesting and the architecture is not all it
seems.
Finally, a trip round round the massive Carrefour shopping centre
will give you a taste of everyday life in Lille. |
BOIS DE BOULOGNE, LILLE
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The Bois de Boulogne in Lille is the largest expanse of park land in
Lille. Take a wander round and at most parts of the day you will see
locals out walking and jogging. The paved outskirts of the park are
edged by canals. On the right is the Monument aux Fusillees which
erected in memory to the one in five of the Lillois Resistance who were
killed by the Nazis. Many were shot against the walls of the Citadel in
the Bois de Boulogne. |
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There's more going on in the Bois de Boulogne though than just
walking and jogging. The Citadelle is in the centre of the park (see
left) although viewing is strictly by previous booking. In the summer
all sorts of activities are taking place in the Bois De Boulogne including concerts, shows,
fairs and more. The park has it's very own zoo (free entrance to all)
with an excellent monkey enclosure. Rhinos, zebras and other animals are
allowed to run in large enclosed areas. |
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JARDIN VAUBAN (Vauban
Gardens)
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The Jardin Vauban (Vauban Gardens) are small compared to the Bois de
Boulogne but they are far more cultivated and designed. In Spring and
summer the gardens are full of flowers. The gardens were laid out by
Barillet Deschamps in 1865 and the original design remains largely
untouched. Make sure you see the mini-orchard in the Vauban Gardens
and also the memorial to Charles de Gaulle near the Daubenton entrance.
One of the major attractions of the gardens is the Puppet Theatre with
performances for the kids every Wednesday and Sunday by Jacques de
Lillois. |
EGLISE ST MAURICE (St
Maurice's Church)
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St Maurice was leader of a legion based in Egypt which was ordered
to assist Maximian in Gaul in placating local Christians. Unfortunately,
St Maurice's legion was made up entirely of Christians as well. Maximian
eventually ordered the entire legion to be killed when they refused to
take up arms against fellow Christians. Eglise St Maurice in Lille is
built on previous marshlands and consist of five knaves of equal height
in order to spread the weight of the church over a large area and
maintain its stability.
Construction began in the 1400s but it was constantly remodelled,
significant work occurring as late as the 1800s.
Sunday services are well worth attending, if not for religious
reasons, then for the superb organ recitals held in the summer months. |
CARREFOUR IN LILLE
| Very close to the Eurostar Station in Lille is a huge
shopping centre with a very large Carrefour hypermarket at the far end.
Carrefour are not renowned for their service but you will find
everything imaginable here from cheese to bicycles. If you are
catering for yourself in Lille this is a good first stop to stock up on
basics like water, bread and the like. The shops in Old Lille will
provide better bargains and stock more traditional foods but at
Carrefour's everything is under one roof. |
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Copyright 2008 - 2010 David Marks and Susan Mason. All right reserved
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