Lille’s main square, Place du General de Gaulle, house the city’s most magnificent buildings. The Vieille Bourse was built in the 17th century to rival the exchanges of other great cities. It contains 24 individual houses set around an interior courtyard. The Renaissance façade reflects the architect, Julien Destrée’s, expertise as a wood sculptor. Garlands, […]
Tag Archives | Grand Place
Plaisirs d’hiver, or Winter Wonders, Brussels
The Brussels Christmas Market is one of the largest in Europe. Over 250 stands spread over 2 kilometers vie for your attention and your wallet. Since it is one of the well-regarded markets, I had high hopes but was disappointed with the offerings. Some of the usual suspects are here: jewelry, scarves, Christmas ornaments, candles […]
Christmas in Brussels
The Electronic Fir is the best fake Christmas tree I’ve ever seen! If you’re going to forgo the real thing, you might as well go big. The 24-meter tall light installation that currently adorns Brussels’ Grand Place was created by Paris-based architects Pier Schneider and Francois Wunschel. The structure’s steel frame is covered with wood […]
Grand Place, Arras, France
Arras has not one, but two quaint city squares. In medieval times, the squares functioned as markets; farmers and merchants would bring their wares here to sell and trade. These days, there’s a Saturday morning market that offers fresh produce, baked goods, jewelry, fabric and household goods. Thanks to its proximity to WWI’s front line, […]
Grand Place
Now you’re talking, Brussels! This beautiful cobblestone square makes up for all the bland concrete development throughout the rest of the city. Back in the 11th century, Grand Place began as a market in the dried-up marshes near the River Senne. In the 13th century, three indoor markets were built that offered meat, bread and […]
Hôtel de Ville
Here’s the real star of the Grand Place. Hôtel de Ville is comprised of a group of buildings built around an internal courtyard. The side facing the square was built in the 15th century. The stone façade features Gothic gargoyles and reliefs of nobility. The 96-meter tall tower is topped by a statue of St-Michel, […]
