Porte de Paris, Lille

The Porte de Paris is one of Lille's three city gates, built by Simon Vollant between 1685 and 1692. This gate was part of Lille's ramparts and its Arc de Triomphe, built in honour of King Louis XIV who captured the city for the French.

In 1667 Louis XIV of France besieged and captured Lille. To mark his victory, he ordered to build a huge triumphal arch similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
It's a unique and beautiful gate which was part of the city wall.

The tower on the right is the belfry of the town hall, built in 1932 . You can climb the 104 m-high belfry for a splendid view of Lille.

There are three remaining gates of the city in existence and The port De Paris is the most striking of them.
It is close to the Town Hall and the belfry. It was erected between 1685 and 1692 and it features figures of Mars and Hercules symbolising War and Power. There isa drawbridge which crosses the moat garden.
The only downside to this manificent site is that it stands on a ver y busy roundabout!

There are four different gates to enter Lille, Porte de Paris being the most famous one. It was erected in the late 17th century to celebrate the capture of the town by Louis XIV. The decoration of the king expresses the power of the great king. On the right you can see Hercules, symbole of strength and on the left Mars the God of War.