Which monuments to visit in Lille? Our top 5

Near the Belgian border, Lille is a renowned university and cultural city. Former trading platform of French Flanders, it offers an architecture shaped by its history.
From the Old Stock Exchange to the citadel via the Palais des Beaux-Arts, discover the must-see monuments of the capital of Hauts de France!

1. Old Lille

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Located north of the city, Old Lille was long a pauperized district. Entirely restored during the 1980s, it is today a very popular area. Its streets host trendy bars and restaurants and many luxury boutiques.
Rich in a great architectural diversity, the district has buildings prior to the 19th century. Along the cobblestone streets, let your eyes wander through the colorful and abundantly decorated facades.
Town houses and mansions in stone and colored brick line this superb historic district. You can even spot the trace of the old canals that crossed the city, major witnesses of Lille's past. Monument side, the sector is not left out. You can visit, among other nuggets:

• the Grand'Place of Lille;
• the Old Stock Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce;
• the Notre-Dame de la Treille cathedral;
• the citadel;
• the Halle aux sucres;
• the Minimes Convent and the Countess Hospice;
• the Rihour Palace and its vestiges.

Want to taste the Lille specialties? Go to Place aux Oignons, one of the pedestrian areas of Old Lille, for a discovery of Northern cuisine!

2. Old stock exchange

Located on Place Charles de Gaulle, it is one of the most beautiful monuments of Old Lille. This building characteristic of the Flemish Renaissance was built in the 17th century under Spanish domination. Magnificently renovated under Napoleon III, it testifies to the economic preponderance of the city during the Grand-Siècle. Pilasters adorned with caryatids, pediments decorated with garlands of fruit: this monument symbolizes the opulence of the city.

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On the portal, the lions of Flanders evoke the belonging to the Netherlands. Its four galleries are named according to their initial functions:

• Brokers Gallery;
• Exchange Agents Gallery;
• Campanile Gallery;
• Theater Gallery.

Mercury, the god of commerce, sits enthroned at the top of the bell tower. It is in the courtyard of this building that the price of goods sold by the Grand'Place stalls was set. Today, it is the meeting place for Lille booksellers, florists and passing tourists. On summer Sunday evenings, people even dance to the sound of tango! In 1921, the city inaugurated a new stock exchange a stone's throw from the old one. This was classified as a historical monument the same year.

3. Lille Citadel

It is one of the most remarkable Vauban citadels (named after Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban).
Baptized "queen of citadels", it is distinguished by its imposing dimensions and its remarkable architecture. Established on the border of Flanders, it is integrated into the pre-square, the defensive network imagined by Vauban in the North of France. Built on marshy ground, this military building was protected by an ingenious flood system. Ditches, pincers and half-moons made it possible to effectively defend access. The heart of the citadel is closed to the public because it still houses a staff of 450 soldiers. Nevertheless, the tourist office organizes a guided tour of the places all year round as well as a treasure hunt to discover the queen of citadels with the family.

4. Notre Dame de la Treille Cathedral

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With its modern facade and neo-Gothic chapel, Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral is one of the must-see buildings in the city.

If the first stone was laid in 1854, the complex was not completed until 1947. The collaboration of architects Pierre-Louis Carlier and Peter Rice gave the religious building its marble and concrete facade in 1999.

Of a rather austere approach, the visit of the cathedral surprises by its natural light effects offered by the translucent marble. The interior houses the miraculous statue of Notre-Dame de la Treille.

The church crypt houses the Lille Sacred Art Center.

5. Lille Palace of Fine Arts

Located Place de la République, it is one of the largest museums in France.
It has an impressive collection of:

• French and European painting;
• 19th century sculptures;
• drawings cabinet (including several dozen original drawings by Raphael);
• models and plans of the cities of the North of France fortified by Vauban.

Where to sleep in Lille?

Want to discover the cultural heritage of Lille? A stone's throw from the main monuments of the city, the B&B HOTEL Lille Centre welcomes you all year round for your business and tourist trips.

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Enjoy quiet and comfortable accommodation in a double or family room, equipped with all the B&B HOTELS equipment for a quality stay:

• flat screen television;
• Bultex mattress;
• private bathroom;
• unlimited wifi connection;
• baby bed available on request;
• gourmet breakfast at will.

Are you coming to attend the Lille flea market? Take advantage of the excellent public transport network and get around by tram, bus or metro thanks to the stations accessible from our establishment.

Are you traveling for business? We provide you with a coworking space specially reserved for our customers.

Want to relax at the end of the day? Sip a homemade cocktail at the hotel bar! You can also enjoy a meal in the comfort of your room thanks to our on-site catering service.

Consult now the list of available rooms and book your accommodation in one of our cheap hotels in Lille!