It's hard to imagine without seeing it. And yet, underneath the Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul church, right in the heart of Wazemmes, lies one of the most unusual fencing halls in the country. A place where the clattering of foils has replaced the long-ago silence of sacred spaces.
A Crypt Like No Other
Originally, this crypt was meant to host burials. However… it never served that purpose. For over a century, it remained almost unused, transformed into a heating room and storage space for the church. It wasn’t until urban heating arrived that the place completely changed its destiny. In 1990, the crypt officially became a fencing hall. Today, it features a spectacular space of 1,300 m², stretching 60 meters long and 24 meters wide, punctuated by 14 fencing pistes, all beneath beautiful arched red brick ceilings. You can imagine that the atmosphere is truly unique.
When Fencing is Rooted in Lille's History
If the id&eacut...It may sound crazy, but it's actually very coherent with local history. Fencing has been deeply rooted in Lille since the 17th century. Back then, a fencing hall already existed within the Citadel, driven by the "Royal des Vaisseaux" infantry regiment. Here’s a fun fact that always makes an impression: D'Artagnan himself is said to have been the first master of arms at that location, before becoming governor of Lille in 1672. Yes, that D'Artagnan!
A lively, sporty… and surprisingly festive place
Today, the crypt hosts several clubs, including the Lille-Vauban Fencing Academy, LUC Escrime, and the association Les Gentilshommes de la Brette. You can practice épée, foil, saber, as well as para-fencing and even sport fencing. And it’s not just for the pros! The venue also hosts competitions, challenges, activities for recreational centers, corporate seminars, and even birthday parties. Admit it, blowing out your candles in a crypt while holding a sword is a fun change from typical game rooms!
A renovated space that's still unique in France
Fully renovated and re-inaugurated on July 1, 2025, the fencing hall of the Crypte Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul remains a one-of-a-kind place in France. A venue at the intersection of heritage, sport, and fun!
polite, which proves once again that Lille sometimes hides its most beautiful surprises underground.Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul Crypt Arms Room