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Porte de Roubaix: A Historic Gateway to Lille

Discover the historic Porte de Roubaix in Lille, a 17th-century gate offering a glimpse into the city's past and a gateway to its vibrant present.

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The Porte de Roubaix, also known as Porte Saint-Maurice, is a 17th-century city gate in Lille, France, marking the northern edge of the old city. Built between 1617 and 1622, it stands as a reminder of Lille's history under Spanish rule and its strategic importance as a fortified city.

A brief summary to Porte de Roubaix

Local tips

  • Take a stroll through Parc Henri Matisse, easily accessible through the gate, for a relaxing break.
  • Visit the gate during the golden hour for the best photo opportunities, as the setting sun casts a warm glow on its facade.
  • Explore the nearby Euralille district, a modern business and shopping area, for a contrast to the historical gate.
  • Check out the 'Old Men's House' dating from 1624, located to the left of the gate.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Grand Place, head north on Rue de la Monnaie. Continue until you reach the Rue de la Liberté intersection. Turn left and walk straight until you arrive at Place Saint-Hubert, where the Porte de Roubaix is located. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take Metro lines M1 or M2 to the Gare Lille Flandres station. From there, the Porte de Roubaix is a 6-7 minute walk. Alternatively, take Tram lines R or T to Gare Lille Flandres. A single ticket costs €1.80 and is valid for 1 hour.

  • Taxi

    From Lille Europe train station, a taxi to Porte de Roubaix takes approximately 10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is €15-€20. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available.

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Discover more about Porte de Roubaix

The Porte de Roubaix, or Porte Saint-Maurice, is a historic city gate in Lille, France, constructed between 1617 and 1622 as part of the city's fortifications. Inaugurated in 1625, the gate replaced the earlier Porte des Reignaux. The gate was designed by the master masons Michel Watrelos and Jean Lesur. Originally built when Lille was part of the Spanish Netherlands, the Porte de Roubaix served as a crucial defensive structure. In 1792, an Austrian major presented the Duke of Saxe-Teschen's ultimatum at the gate, demanding the city's surrender. The gate's exterior features a crenellated cornice and grooves that once housed the drawbridge mechanism. The interior facade showcases intricate polychrome brickwork and stone-framed windows. In 1875, two lateral arches were added to accommodate the tramway. The gate was renovated in 2004 for the Lille cultural event. Although closed to vehicle traffic since the mid-1990s, it remains open to pedestrians, providing access to Parc Henri Matisse and the Euralille district. Today, the Porte de Roubaix stands as a monument to Lille's rich history and architectural heritage.

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