What is the Place du General de Gaulle used for?

It is often used as a focal point for local celebrations and as well as a meeting place. Here is a taste of some of the buildings around the Place du General de Gaulle (Grand Place): La Vieille Bourse was built between 1652 and 1653 to house the stock exchange a home for tradesmen and financiers, who up until then usually met in the open air.

Where was Charles de Gaulle born?

Charles de Gaulle was born in Lille on November 22nd 1890 in the house of his maternal grandparents at 9 Rue Princesse. Listed as a Historic Monument, the house was bought in 1967 by a group of friends of the General. Now a museum, it recreates the atmosphere of a typical late 19th century home of the Northern French industrial middle class.

How did de Gaulle become a leader?

In 1943 he moved his headquarters to Algiers, where he became president of the French Committee of National Liberation, at first jointly with General Henri Giraud. De Gaulle’s successful campaign to edge out Giraud gave the world proof of his skill in political maneuvering.

What is the significance of the statue of the goddess of Lille?

The bronze goddess rises from the centre of the Grand Place, the column commemorates the siege of Lille by the Austrians in September 1792. Her right hand is holding a linstock which was used to light the fuses on cannons.