Place du Genéral de Gaulle

Place du Général de Gaulle is an old medieval market place, where a tree has never stood. The traders met here three times a day, in all weathers. Until they received permission from Philip IV of Spain to build the Old Exchange in 1652. The building was finished in 2 years and is made of porous stone, which is why it is painted. The restoration of the front facade was financed by companies, their logos can be found above the top row of windows. This building has 24 homes that are still mostly occupied by their owners. We also notice the many sculptures, typical of the Flemish Baroque style, but also because the architect, Julien Destrée, was a wood sculptor. Above the entrance gate we see the symbol of Lille (Fleur de Lys), with next to it the lions of Flanders and the crown of the city (with fortress towers on top) and two horns. Horns of Plenty, to refer to the wealth of Lille.

The magnificent Grand Place in the heart of Lille is the most beautiful square in the city and is an ideal starting point for sightseeing in Lille's old town.

One of these important sights is the Place du Général de Gaulle, also known as the "Grand Place". A must-see! He was a general, resistance fighter and president - Charles de Gaulle is still a great personality for many French people today. He has been dead for over 50 years and this great square is here in his memory.