Villeneuve d'Ascq was the first of France's new towns. It was built as a planned town in the 1970’s, at the same time as a lot of slum clearance in the old industrial towns of the North just as their smoky textile mills, coal mines and heavy engineering industries were closing down.

The new town joined together three small villages. It has two of Lille's three universities, so its population includes lots of students, teachers and professional people.

Amidst the new housing estates and roads built for the motor-car age, the town has preserved historic relics of what was there previously.

Château Fliers

Weblinks and more information

Places to visit
Lille City Pass 1-,2- or 3-day pass to museums, attractions, the City Tour & public transport
Mills Museum - includes 2 mills reconstructed on site in the town's park.
Modern Art Museum - world-class collection donated by local industrialist

Background Information:
Mills of the Region

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