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Flemish houses and St Stevens Church in Lille's Old Town

© 123fr.com / David Hughes

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France

Lille history

Lille has had a stormy history (it has been besieged no fewer than 11 times). The town, whose name is derived from the French l'île (the island), named because it was situated on an island in the Deûle River, started life as a small village founded by the Flemish around 1030.

The capital of Flanders during the Middle Ages, Lille was given to France in 1312. Subsequently, it fell into various hands (including Austrian and Spanish ones), before being reclaimed, in 1667, by Louis XIV, who made it a showcase of French power and glory. Lille was later both damaged and occupied by the Germans in both World Wars.

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