Palais Rihour (Rihour Palace), Lille

Rihour Palace (Palais Rihour), located in Lille, is a historical monument that traces its origins back to the 15th century. Originally built by the Dukes of Valois-Burgundy, who were the de facto sovereigns of the Burgundian state, the palace remains a testament to their influence. Today, only certain parts of the original structure survive, including the main staircase, chapel, and guard room, which now houses the town's tourist office. The building was designated as a historic monument in 1875.

The construction of Rihour Palace began in 1453 on the marshy land of the ancient manse of Rihout. This location, situated between the Poissonceaux canal and the city wall established in the 13th century, was chosen after Philip the Good negotiated subsidies from the city, securing 6,000 pounds over four years. The architectural plans were developed by Evrard de Mazières, and construction concluded two decades later under Charles the Bold.

The original structure featured a quadrilateral layout with four wings of different sizes surrounding a main courtyard. However, the marshy terrain and the poor quality of the stone from the Lezennes quarry led to significant structural damage, necessitating major repairs in the subsequent century. Despite Philip the Good’s preferences, much of the palace was constructed using brick.

Aesthetic features of the remaining architecture include late Gothic elements like mullioned windows, an octagonal turret with a rotating staircase, and a guard room with slender vaulted ribs. The chapel, also known as the room of the Conclave, was historically used as a place of justice and was adorned with five monumental paintings by Arnould de Vuez. While the original paintings have been lost, their painted sketches are preserved and displayed at the Hospice Comtesse Museum.

Below the square are several large ribbed vaulted cellars that were part of the palace. In 2004, when Lille was designated the European Capital of Culture, the Rihour Palace played a significant role in the celebrations, hosting an exhibition by painter Victor Vasarely and undergoing the reconstruction of its bell tower.