Lille Before and During the War

by Pneu Michelin

THE CITADELLE ROYAL GATE.

The Citadelle

This masterpiece of the fortification art is the work of Vauban (17th century). In shape a regular pentagon, it includes numerous detached out-works. Entrance to it is gained through the Royal Gate, which dates from 1670 (photo above). It contains barracks and a chapel (photo below), and it was in the latter that the hostages of Lille spent their nights during the German occupation (p. [12]).

Jacquet, Deconinck, Maertens, Verhulst and Trulin were shot in the northern moats by the Germans (p. [18]).

After visiting the Citadelle, re-cross the bridge, turn to the left and follow the Façade de l'Esplanade, fine avenue planted with linden-trees, which runs alongside the canal. The ruins of Napoléon Bridge, blown up by the retreating Germans, will be noticed (photo p. [52]).

THE CITADELLE CHAPEL.

NAPOLÉON BRIDGE
(January, 1919).