The Mélantois (, ) is an inland area of northern France, at south-east of Lille. Between the Deûle and the Marque, it is bounded to the north by a line from Willems to La Madeleine. It is a chalky plateau at an altitude of between , with gentle slopes (below 5 %).
Etymology
The name Mélantois refers to its geographical position as it can be translated to "Milieu" (Middle).« Ascq sous la féodalité », « La châtellenie de Lille », Part. 1, Chap. 3, , pages 17 et 18, Essai de l'histoire d'Ascq et de ses environs, Pierre Delebart, Imprimerie R. Boulonnais, Ascq, 1952.
Geography
The region is located south of the Ferrain, west of the Pévèle, north of the Carembault and east of the Weppes.
History
During Antiquity, the Mélantois was a pagus of the civitas of Medenentensis.
References