Cross the Boulevard de la Liberté, then skirt the Testelin Monument. M. Testelin was Prefect of the North of France and "Organizer of National Defence in the North in 1870-1871." The monument bears traces of the bombardment, while the bronze statues which surrounded the pedestal were carried away by the Germans.
On reaching the Church of the Sacred Heart, turn to the right and follow the Rue de Solférino to the Boulevard Vauban, on the right of which is the Palais Rameau.
The Palais Rameau
THE PALAIS RAMEAU.
This fairly large building was erected in 1878, with the financial help of an agriculturist named Rameau. The principal hall is used for exhibitions, more especially horticultural. The rather curious façade includes a bust of Rameau flanked by figures of the goddesses Flora (flowers) and Pomona (fruits). In the rear of the Palace Garden is a fine circular conservatory.
On leaving the Palais, take on the right the Boulevard Vauban which, a little further on, crosses the Jardin Vauban (pretty public garden), leading to the Canal de la Moyenne Deule.
Skirting a portion of the Citadelle and continuing the canal of the Haute Deule, this canal connects Lille with la Bassée and Douai. The river Deule was first opened up to navigation in 1271, while in 1830 its sidings were improved and the water-way deepened.
In April, 1919, it was necessary to follow the Deule as far as the Square du Ramponneau, where a temporary wooden bridge had been built close to a half-destroyed foot-bridge. After crossing the bridge, visitors had to come back to the left as far as the first avenue on the right leading to the Citadelle (see p. [49]).
