Charles de Gaulle Birthplace

Charles de Gaulle was born at 9 rue Princesse in Lille, in the home of his maternal grandparents, on 22 November 1890. This house was the family reunion point throughout his childhood and youth. It was within these walls, in a family united by patriotic and religious values, that the character of the future President of the Fifth Republic was forged.

In 2020, the Maison natale Charles de Gaulle underwent major renovation work. The aim of the work was to reinforce the structure of the house, but it also enabled it to be completely renovated and refurnished. Rooms that had fallen into oblivion have been restored and are being shown to the public for the first time. Listed as a historic monument and awarded the Maison des Illustres label, the house has been restored to look very much as the young Charles knew it. It is the only example in Lille of what a middle-class home looked like in the Belle Époque.

In addition to visits to the historical part of the site, the Maison natale Charles de Gaulle also offers regular temporary exhibitions, lectures and educational workshops.

In addition, there are two walking routes in 13 stages, marked by a nail in the ground bearing the general's effigy. The route can be started at any stage. There is no chronological order either. Maps of the route are available from the Maison natale Charles de Gaulle and the Lille Tourist Office, together with explanations, anecdotes and family memories of each stage.

Length of circuits: 6.3 km and 4.4 km.