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Porte de Roubaix: A Historic Gateway

Discover Lille's historic Porte de Roubaix, a 17th-century city gate offering a glimpse into the city's rich past and architectural heritage.

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The Porte de Roubaix, also known as Porte Saint-Maurice, is a 17th-century city gate in Lille, France, that stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural beauty. Built between 1617 and 1622, it was part of the city's fortifications and has been classified as a historic monument since 1929.

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 during the golden hour for fantastic photo opportunities with the warm sunlight illuminating the gate's facade.
  • Explore the nearby Euralille district, a modern business and shopping center.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Lille Flandres train station, head north. Walk along Rue de Roubaix for approximately 10 minutes until you reach Place Saint-Hubert, where the Porte de Roubaix is located. The walk is straightforward and well-signposted.

  • Public Transport

    Take Metro lines M1 or M2 to Gare Lille Flandres station. From there, follow the walking directions. A single metro ticket costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour on the entire network.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Lille. A short trip from Gare Lille Flandres to Porte de Roubaix typically costs between €8 and €12, depending on traffic and the specific service.

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Discover more about Porte de Roubaix

The Porte de Roubaix, or Porte Saint-Maurice, is a historic city gate that was part of Lille's old fortifications. Constructed between 1617 and 1622, during the Spanish Netherlands period, it served as a defensive structure. The gate replaced the older Porte des Reignaux. Inaugurated in 1625, the Porte de Roubaix has undergone several modifications throughout its history. In 1875, two lateral arches were added to accommodate the tramway. The gate was completely renovated for the Lille 2004 cultural event. The gate's interior facade features intricately crafted polychrome brickwork and stone-framed windows, while its exterior showcases a crenellated cornice and grooves for the former drawbridge mechanism. Historically, the Porte de Roubaix was an important entry point to the city. In 1792, an Austrian major presented the Duke of Saxe-Teschen's ultimatum at the gate, demanding the city's surrender. Although it once carried significant traffic, the opening of Boulevard Carnot in 1909 reduced its importance as a thoroughfare. In the mid-1990s, it was closed to vehicular traffic but remains open to pedestrians, providing access to Parc Henri Matisse and the Euralille district. Today, a promenade allows visitors to view the gate from both the city and countryside perspectives.

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