Europe Month 2026

Every year in May, Europe Day commemorates a key moment in the history of the European Union: the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950. On this occasion, France and many other European countries celebrate the ‘Joli Mois de l’Europe‘, a time to highlight European initiatives and raise awareness of the challenges, cultural diversity and opportunities that Europe represents.

At the Université Catholique de Lille, this commitment to Europe is reflected in a series of events organised by the International Relations Department. This year, the University is celebrating the culture and history of the city of Lille through a special programme of events, led by historian Garrett Epp.

Programme:

• “Truth, History and Memory in Lille” workshop > The programme began yesterday, Monday 4 May, with a workshop focusing on the traces of the First World War in Lille’s urban landscape. Deeply impacted by the conflict, the city still retains numerous reminders of this period today, if you know where to look. “Truth, History and Memory in Lille” explored iconic locations that reveal often little-known stories, shedding light on daily life and the upheavals experienced by Lille during the War. An immersive experience in history, offering a chance to (re)discover the city from a fresh perspective.

–

• Tour of the Lille Moulins/Saint-Sauveur neighbourhood > Following on from the first workshop, a tour of the Lille Moulins/Saint-Sauveur neighbourhood is being organised on Wednesday 6 May. This is an opportunity to be guided, as you walk, through a rich and varied heritage: remains of the ramparts, traces of the First World War, former hospitals, a bell tower listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a converted railway wasteland. A sensitive and dynamic exploration of the city, to understand how history has shaped Lille and continues to transform it today.

REGISTRATION

• Tour of Vieux-Lille > Finally, to round off this cultural programme, an open-air tour of Vieux-Lille is scheduled for Tuesday 19 May, offering a chance to rediscover this iconic neighbourhood through its history and hidden stories. Guided by an historian, its streets, façades and monuments reveal the many European influences that have shaped the city over the centuries. A lively walk, exploring heritage, memory and urban identity, to learn to see the city in a new light.

REGISTRATION

We warmly invite you to take part in these events, which provide an ideal opportunity to share ideas and celebrate Europe’s founding values together!