Porte de Paris, Lille, Guida per visitatori e cosa fare nei dintorni

The Porte de Paris is a triumphal arch in the centre of Lille, France, built in the late 17th century under Louis XIV. It stands on the Place Simon Vollant and once served as a ceremonial gateway into the city. Today it is one of the best-known monuments of Lille and an easy first stop on a walk through the centre.

The story behind it

Lille became French in 1667, when Louis XIV took the city, and the Porte de Paris belongs to the years that followed. It replaced an older city gate and was designed as a grand entrance for those arriving from the direction of Paris, a showpiece of royal power as much as a way through the walls. The square around it takes its name from Simon Vollant, the architect and engineer linked to Lille's fortifications in that period.

Nearby, the story of Lille's origins is told through the legend of Lydéric and the giant Phinaert. In the tale, Phinaert murders the parents of Lydéric, who grows up in hiding, returns to challenge the giant and defeats him. It is a local legend rather than proven history, but you will meet it on carved stonework at the City Hall, just a short walk away, whose belfry rises to 104 metres.

What to look for

• Take a step back across the square to see the full shape of the arch, built as a monument to royal triumph rather than as a plain city gate.
• Look closely at the sculpted decoration, which is typical of the grand style of Louis XIV's reign.
• Notice how a 17th century gateway stands in the middle of a modern city, with traffic and trams moving around it.
• Look towards the City Hall belfry nearby, a 20th century tower that makes a striking contrast with the older arch.

Tips for your visit

• Plan 10 to 15 minutes for the arch itself. It is a monument to admire from outside, so it works well as one stop within a longer walk.
• Light in the morning or late afternoon is kind to the stonework and makes better photos.
• The City Hall and its belfry are close by, so combine them in one outing, and check current opening hours if you want to go up.
• The arch is in the open air on a public square, so you can see it at any time of day.

See it on a quest

In Mystery in Lille : On the trail of the Golden Hand, you reach the Porte de Paris on foot as one stop of a longer route through the area. The app tells you about each place as you arrive and sets a puzzle based on what is in front of you. One ticket covers the whole group.

Murder Mystery: Death in the Shadows in Lille is a mystery-themed way to take in the same part of the city. You walk between the sights at your own pace, hear about each one as you get there and solve a puzzle on the spot. One ticket covers the whole group.