To begin, we will meet at Place de la Treille, where we will discuss the origins of Lille, its name, its castral mound, and the legend behind its creation. We will also take the opportunity to talk about the cathedral and its statue of the Virgin, which is venerated by the people of Lille and has survived the ages and the tumult of time.
We will then discuss the rivalries between the Counts of Flanders and the Kings of France, passing through one of Lille's most iconic sites, the Avenue du Peuple Belge. This period ultimately led to the annexation of the city of Lille under Louis XIV, a development we will explore through the city's architecture.
Finally, we will cover the main events that ultimately led the people of Lille to remain loyal to France, despite wars and sieges, up until the French Revolution.
We will end our walk through historic Lille in front of the Column of the Goddess, which commemorates the siege of Lille in 1792, and we won't forget to pass by the iconic Old Stock Exchange.