Ilot Comtesse garden

This pretty garden, surrounded by colourful brick buildings, was named the” îlot Comtesse” after Joan, Countess of Flanders. In 1237, she had a hospital built in her own palace, without skimping on the quality or wealth of the furnishings. She went so far as donating all her mills to the hospital. At the end of the park, on the way back to the main road, you’ll see a strange brick wall that seems to have appeared out of nowhere, with just one door and three windows. These are the remains of the famous Saint-Pierre mill, donated to the hospice by the countess. Ironically for a water mill, the site, first built in 1237, suffered several fires during its existence. If you look closely above the door, you will see the inscription “1649”, indicating that the mill was rebuilt after the great fire of March 1649. On the left-hand window you’ll find the coat of arms of the Duke of Burgundy and Flanders, John the Fearless, underlining the lord’s protection over the city of Lille. A seemingly anecdotal section of wall, yet its presence reminds us that in the past the Deûle canals dotted the old Lille.