La Bassée

La Bassée is a commune with 6304 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Nord, in the Nord -Pas -de -Calais. It belongs to the district of Lille and is the capital of the canton of La Bassée.

Geography

La Bassée, around 25 kilometers south-west of Lille. The place is surrounded by wetlands and forests. It lies on the N47 and the Canal d' Aire and the Großschifffahrtsweg Dunkirk -Scheldt.

History

In the Middle Ages the town was secured with a fastening system, which included several bastions. During the First World War, the Loretto battle took place nearby.

Attractions

Sights include the church, which is dedicated to Saint Vedast and consists of a neo-Gothic tower with a modern nave belongs.

Sons and daughters of the town

• Louis -Léopold Boilly (1761-1845), French painter and lithographer
• René Feret ( b. 1945 ), French actor and film director