Place de la Liberation

On the Place de la Libération, which Jules Hardouin Mansart designed in the 17th century to serve as a royal square, the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne can be found in the heart of the old town.

It is a significant hub of urban activity and can be found in front of the Town Hall at the confluence of Rue de la Liberté, Rue Rameau, Rue des Bons-Enfants, Rue du Palais, and Rue Vauban. In addition, it is named after the five streets that converge there.

THINGS TO DO AT PLACE DE LA LIBERATION:

• Find out more about its role in the nation's history and the significance it holds for the people of this land:

The departure of the German army from Lille on October 17, 1918, after having occupied the city for the previous four years, shocked the town's inhabitants. The bells left in Place across the city begin to toll once again. A morning appearance on the esplanade was made by Captain Carl Delesalle, the son of the Mayor of Lille. In a symbolic sense, he was the first French soldier to return to the city after serving abroad.

• Take note of the topography as well as the way the construction has been adapted to it:

The Place de la Libération is built on archaeological ruins. To complement the materials of the existing façade, a limestone from Burgundy with a light beige color was chosen for the paving finish. The diverse applications can only be distinguished and identified by innovative ground tiling. The roads were redirected towards the plaza's center to clear the building fronts.

• Take pleasure in the tranquility that the fountains have to offer:

Amid the square, there are three lit fountains dubbed 'rifts,' which are animated by the layout of the neighboring streets.

The architects had envisioned them as discretely hung works of art throughout the home grounds. Because this construction has been leveled out, it is possible to use the entire central area of the square to flawlessly carry out the traditional activities that the population of Dijon is accustomed to by simply turning off the motors for the fountains (shows, markets, etc.).

Today, people come to socialize, eat at one of the many outdoor cafes, and watch their children play in the fountains.

• Learn about the different names given to the square through its course:

It was given the name Royal Square after it was finally completed in 1686. During the French Revolution (1789–1799), the statue of Louis XIV that stood in the plaza was taken down, and the area was renamed Place d'Armes.

After that, it was known as Imperial Square during the reign of the Empire in 1802, as Royal Place during the reign of the Restoration in 1814, and then it was renamed Place d'Armes during the reign of the Monarchy in July 1831.

When German forces occupied France during World War II, the square became known to the French people as Marshal Pétain Square. In 1944, it was officially designated with the name still in use today, Place de la Liberation.