Lille Before and During the War

by Pneu Michelin

RUINS IN THE RUE DE BÉTHUNE

SECOND ITINERARY

From the Grande Place to the Douai Gate quarter, destroyed by the Explosion of the "18 Ponts."

Principal sights on the way: The Prefecture, Museum and Paris Gate.

Starting Point: The Grande Place.

To the right of the Grand' Garde, take the Rue Neuve, continued by the Rue de Béthune (one of those which suffered most from the bombardments).

Follow this street to the Place de Béthune and to the Place Richebé; see the bronze equestrian Statue of General Faidherbe (1896), at the foot of which are two feminine figures with palm-branches and arms symbolising France and Lille. Two bas-reliefs representing the battles of Pont-Noyelles and Bapaume adorn the sides. The Monument is the combined work of the architect Pugol and the sculptor Mercié.

In front of the statue: Boulevard de la Liberté and the fine Place de la République; on the right is the Prefecture, on the left, the Palais des Beaux Arts.