Librairie Furet du Nord (Ferrets of the North Bookstore), Lille (must see)
In 1936 a fur store on the Old Comedy Street (rue de la Vielle Comedie), pouff, became a bookstore. Georges Poulard, a high school principal, had bought the fur shop and opened the Ferrets of the North Bookstore. The fur store had the name Ferrets of the North. Georges kept the name, implying that book hunting was similar to hunting rabbits with ferrets.
Paul Callens worked at George Poulard's Ferrets of the North. Paul was obsessed with books. He bought the bookstore in 1947. He then heard the Galleries Barbes, a furniture store in the Main Square of lille, was closing. He moved the business to the Main Square location. The opening was in 1960 and it was a huge success.
Ferrets of the North was the largest bookstore in the world from 1992 to 1999. It is still the largest bookshop in Europe today.
In 1969 the facade of the Furet building in the Main Square was restored to its original 18th century style. The facade resonated with Francois Watteau's painting, "The Lille Procession in 1789". It worth going in there to take a look even if you are not looking for a new book.
Paul Callens worked at George Poulard's Ferrets of the North. Paul was obsessed with books. He bought the bookstore in 1947. He then heard the Galleries Barbes, a furniture store in the Main Square of lille, was closing. He moved the business to the Main Square location. The opening was in 1960 and it was a huge success.
Ferrets of the North was the largest bookstore in the world from 1992 to 1999. It is still the largest bookshop in Europe today.
In 1969 the facade of the Furet building in the Main Square was restored to its original 18th century style. The facade resonated with Francois Watteau's painting, "The Lille Procession in 1789". It worth going in there to take a look even if you are not looking for a new book.
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Librairie Furet du Nord (Ferrets of the North Bookstore) on Map
Sight Name: Librairie Furet du Nord (Ferrets of the North Bookstore)
Sight Location: Lille, France (See walking tours in Lille)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lille, France (See walking tours in Lille)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lille, France
Create Your Own Walk in Lille
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lille is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lille Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed in France the "Capital of Flanders", Lille and its surroundings belong to the historical region of Romance Flanders. Legend has it that in 620 AD, Salvaert, Prince of Dijon, passed through the region with his pregnant wife when he was attacked and killed by the local lord Phinaert The Giant. Years later, his son Lyderic avenged his father by killing the Giant and founded the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Lille's Historical Buildings Tour
Historically, Lille's architecture differs from that of other French cities. Prior to being invaded by Louis XIV in 1667, Lille was Flemish, which is evident in its red-brick and other structures, quite uncommon for the rest of France.
Among many things, Lille is reputed for its fabulous historic center, abounding in time-honored buildings, palaces, and churches, offering a great deal of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Among many things, Lille is reputed for its fabulous historic center, abounding in time-honored buildings, palaces, and churches, offering a great deal of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles