The Grand’place in Lille, late 18th century

Now known as Place du Général-de-Gaulle, it is the historic and main square of the city of Lille, in the French department of Nord. This Grand’ Place, or main square, is a large, open space with a completely stone-built appearance, typical of many towns in the old Netherlands.
The square is lined with various historic monuments, including the Théâtre du Nord and the Vieille Bourse (the former stock exchange). In the centre of the square stands the Column of the Goddess. Erected in 1845, it commemorates the heroism of the people of Lille during the siege of the city in 1792 by a coalition of European monarchist armies.