マルケット・レ・リールのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

At the entrance to Lille Zoo stands a monument commemorating the "20,000 pigeons who died for their country" and the "pigeon fanciers who were shot for keeping carrier pigeons." This monument commemorates the important role carrier pigeons played during the First World War. One pigeon was even awarded the Order of the French Nation in Verdun. Since then, radio waves have replaced wings for transmitting information during wartime, but pigeon racing has remained a popular pastime in the north of the country.

Although the Napoleon Bridge has a long history, the current bridge only dates from 2014! That year, as part of the overall redevelopment of the Citadel Park, the Napoleon Bridge was rebuilt. This was based on the design created by Philippe Canissié in 1849, after the original bridge had become significantly outdated (including the roof's need for renovation). During the 2014 project, new sphinxes and concrete abutments covered with the original stones and sculptures were added. The first version of the bridge was built in 1809, and inscribed with the names of French victories in the Napoleonic battles. The bridge was destroyed in both the First and Second World Wars.

This bridge over the Deûle River, which connects Saint-André with Marquette, is officially called the Pont de l'Abbaye. It underwent a major renovation in the summer of 2023: the road surface and sidewalks were replaced, and the bridge arches were repainted.

The Deûle and its tributary, the Marque, have divided Marquette-lez-Lille into several neighborhoods: the Abbey, the Town Center, and Lommelet. The Mabile Bridge therefore plays a key role in connecting these neighborhoods. Before the construction of a fixed bridge, a path wound through Mr. Vannière-Smet's estate, leading to a swing bridge consisting of a rotating, movable plank. The word "mobile" was corrupted to "mabile," hence the name Mabile Bridge. The first fixed bridge at this location dates back to 1887. This bridge was destroyed during the First World War and rebuilt a few years later. In 1940, the bridge was dynamited, rebuilt, and inaugurated on July 14, 1949. www.marquettelezlille.fr

Here you have a beautiful view of Robersart Castle, located on the other side of the Deûle Canal. The building, constructed of red brick and white Lezennes stone, dates from 1760. It was home to the Lords of Wambrechies, including the Robert de Robersart family, who gave it their name. The last resident was Juliette, Countess of Robersart, who died in 1900. The building later housed a brewery, a laundry, and a school. Now it is a municipal building. Behind it lies a 7-hectare park with an arboretum featuring 270 hardy varieties and 75 rose varieties. The so-called "Counts' Garden" has 300 varieties of ornamental plants. Source: nl.lilletourism.com

If you are patient, you might see the Countess...

It's a beautiful place, its fame brings people in, sometimes too much for my taste, but let's take advantage of a site not far from the Belgian border, which is active and which attracts people.

Enjoy the tour, whether you drink or not, you learn things...