Place aux Oignons, Historic square in Vieux-Lille, France
Place aux Oignons is a square in the heart of Vieux-Lille surrounded by red brick buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The structures form an enclosed pedestrian space that feels separate from the surrounding streets.
The name comes from the Latin word 'dominium', referring to a medieval fortress owned by the counts of Flanders. Over time the site became a center for artisans and merchants as the city grew.
Weaver families lived and worked in these houses, setting up looms in upper floors and basements to produce cloth. The domestic spaces were inseparable from the textile trade that shaped daily life here.
The square is easy to reach on foot and has several restaurants and cafes for refreshments. Pedestrian paths make it pleasant to walk around and observe the buildings at a leisurely pace.
Between 1985 and 1990 all buildings around the square underwent complete reconstruction while preserving their historical appearance. This major restoration rescued the structures from deterioration and revitalized the neighborhood.
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