Summary
As the capital of the northern Hauts-de-France region, Lille is renowned for its industrious nature and boasts a remarkable historical center. Historically, Lille was Flemish until it was captured by Louis XIV in 1667, a fact that is evident in the city’s architecture.
Tip – Acquire the Lille City Pass for complimentary access to over 30 attractions and unrestricted use of public transport.
The Old Lille area is characterized by an array of baroque buildings, complete with intricately gabled roofs, and opulent late-19th-century residences nestled along charming streets. Cultural enthusiasts will find much to admire, as the Palace of Fine Arts ranks as the second-largest museum in France after the Louvre, alongside several smaller attractions worth exploring.
Let’s delve into the top activities to experience in Lille:
1. Old Lille
The historic district of Lille delights visitors with its meticulously restored bourgeois houses lining cobblestone lanes. Visitors will readily observe the city’s Flemish influences through the baroque architecture dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Commence your exploration at Place Louise de Bettignies and Rue de la Monnaie, areas that offer stunning views of the ornate facades and gables that define the neighborhood. Be mindful of your surroundings, as Old Lille is also home to numerous bars and lively nightspots.
2. Palais des Beaux-Arts
Palais des Beaux-Arts stands as an immense museum, second only to the Louvre in terms of size. Housed in an exquisite Belle Époque summer palace from the late 19th century, you may need up to half a day to fully appreciate its vast collection of art, spanning from the 1400s to the 1900s.
The museum showcases works by illustrious artists such as Monet, Raphael, Courbet, Rubens, van Gogh, Donatello, Jacob Jordaens, and Picasso, merely scratching the surface of its offerings. Furthermore, do not overlook the plans-reliefs, which are intricately detailed 17th and 18th-century scale models of cities now present in modern-day Belgium and northern France, including Lille.
3. La Vieille Bourse
It is widely regarded that Lille’s former stock exchange represents the city’s finest architectural achievement. Erected in the mid-17th century, it comprises 24 Flemish Renaissance houses surrounding a central arcaded courtyard.
The ornamental facades can be attributed to architect Julien Destrée, who was primarily a decorative furniture designer and was given the liberty to express his creativity on this significant project. More than 350 years later, La Vieille Bourse remains a central part of Lille’s daily life, where people gather to play chess in the courtyard and a vibrant flower and book market is held beneath the arcades. During summer, visitors may enjoy dance performances in this splendid venue.
4. Grand Place
Lille’s expansive main square serves as a vibrant juncture for both locals and tourists, a favored spot to convene and take in the city’s allure. The square is flanked by magnificent historic gabled buildings.
Make sure to pause and admire the Thêatre du Nord, located in what once served as Lille’s guardhouse from 1717. This classical Flemish design can also be observed in the more contemporary structures, such as the art deco Voix du Nord building adjacent to it, constructed in 1936 and distinguished by its crow-stepped gable.
At the center of the square lies the Colonne de la Déesse, erected in the 19th century to commemorate Lille’s role in thwarting the Habsburg Empire during the Siege of Lille in 1792.
5. Parc Zoologique
Situated in the affluent Esquermes district, Lille’s zoo offers free entry, making it one of the most popular zoological destinations in France. Despite its compact size, the zoo is home to 450 animals spanning approximately 70 species and is actively involved in global conservation efforts for endangered species.
The enclosures are spacious and designed to mimic natural habitats, eliminating any guilt associated with family visits. The zoo is divided into seven area-themed zones; for instance, Les Terres d’Afrique houses zebras and rhinos, while the American section features alpacas and tapirs.
6. LaM
Lille’s museum of modern art is a premier cultural destination featuring over 6,700 works from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum gained recognition in 1999 following a generous donation from L’Aracine, an organization dedicated to Art Brut collectors, and currently houses the most extensive collection of Art Brut works in France.
Visitors can admire pieces created by outsider artists such as Augustin Lesage, Henry Darger, and the renowned schizophrenic Carlo Zinelli, alongside masterpieces by illustrious figures like Picasso, Georges Braque, Paul Klee, Joan Miró, Amedeo Modigliani, and Alexander Calder. The lush sculpture park invites leisurely strolls, featuring contributions from artists like Jacques Lipchitz, Eugène Dodeigne, Picasso, and Calder.
7. Lille Citadelle
Following the conquest of Lille in 1667, Louis XIV promptly initiated the enhancement of the city’s fortifications. The star-shaped citadel, designed by the illustrious military engineer Vauban, was erected in just three years. The ambitious scale of the project is particularly impressive given that its construction required three million stone blocks, 70,000 lumps of sandstone, and 60 million bricks.
While the Citadel remains an operational military base, visitors can appreciate the impressive gates and outer walls during a leisurely walk through the scenic canal-side park in Esquermes, the same upscale neighborhood as the zoo.
8. Stade Pierre-Mauroy
The local football team, Lille OSC, has been a notable participant in Ligue 1 for several years, securing the league title in 2011. Although their performance has fluctuated since then, the club boasts a modern stadium that invites sports enthusiasts to enjoy live football events.
Stade Pierre-Mauroy, which accommodates 50,000 spectators, was constructed for EURO 2016 and played host to six matches during the tournament, including a quarter-final showdown between Wales and Belgium. Additionally, during the summer season, the stadium transforms into a concert venue for popular artists such as Rihanna.
9. Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle
Situated on Rue Pincesse in a picturesque neighborhood north of Old Lille, this residence marks the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle on November 22, 1890. The property, previously owned by his maternal grandparents, reflects a prosperous family history, although they had lost their estate during the Revolution nearly a century earlier.
Utilizing familial artifacts and contemporary memorabilia, the house has been transformed into a museum that adeptly recreates a 19th-century bourgeois living space. Notable items on display include the general’s cradle and the officer’s sword awarded to him upon completion of his first year at the Saint-Cyr military academy.
10. Town Hall and Belfry
The art deco Hôtel de Ville, constructed in the 1920s, draws inspiration from Lille’s distinctive gables. This town hall, alongside its belfry—belonging to the Flanders region known for its belfries—has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its noteworthy architectural features and stands at a remarkable height of 104 meters.
In a city characterized by low-rise buildings, this concrete landmark serves as an essential point of reference. Visitors can ascend 400 steps to reach the summit; however, opting for the lift is a more convenient choice.
11. Maison Folie Wazemmes
One of Lille’s large textile factories has been creatively repurposed into a modern cultural center. This red-brick structure, built in 1855, received a significant redesign in 2004 by the Dutch architectural agency NOX, transforming it into a new city landmark.
The contemporary design blends harmoniously with the 19th-century architecture, boasting over 5,000 square meters dedicated to exhibitions, along with an auditorium with a capacity of 250 seating and 700 standing. When visiting, make sure to admire the sinuous sheet metal façade and explore the interior offerings.
12. Villa Cavrois
Located less than ten kilometers from Lille-Centre is Croix, home to Villa Cavrois, a mansion designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens that modern architecture enthusiasts will appreciate. Constructed during the early 1930s for wealthy textile magnate Paul Cavrois, this building represents the principles of the modernist movement.
The villa was constructed adhering to guidelines emphasizing “air, light, work, sports, hygiene, comfort, and efficiency.” At the time, it featured conveniences such as air-conditioning, electric lighting in all rooms, and telephones, exemplifying innovative living standards of that era.
13. La Piscine Museum
Adjacent to Croix lies Roubaix, featuring a unique cultural venue situated in a former indoor swimming pool. Completed in 1932, this exquisite art deco swimming pool ceased operations in the 1980s but has since been revitalized as an engaging space to display an extensive collection of textile samples gathered from Lille’s numerous textile factories.
The museum’s collection traces its origins back to 1835, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with Lille’s industrial heritage amidst a gracefully restored environment.
14. Palais Rihour
Although Lille lacks many flamboyant gothic structures, Palais Rihour, completed for the Duke of Burgundy in 1453, serves as a notable example. This building currently houses Lille’s tourist center on the ground floor at Salle des Gardes.
On the upper level, the Sacristy—boasting beautiful stained-glass windows—and the Salle du Conclave host exhibitions and public events. The square in front of the palace hosts Lille’s prestigious Christmas Market during December, where one can sample the city’s cuisine. In the vicinity of Place Rihour and Grand Place, there are numerous restaurants that specialize in traditional Flemish dishes like carbonnade Flamande, a beef stew prepared with beer and served alongside French fries.
15. Marché de Wazemmes
One of northern France’s largest and most cherished outdoor markets unfolds at Place Nouvelle Aventure on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings, with Sunday being the most vibrant and lively when hundreds of stalls attract thousands of visitors.
At Wazemmes, you will encounter a distinct Maghreb flair characterized by spices and exotic fruits and vegetables used in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. However, visitors can find a diverse array of goods, from rotisserie chicken fresh off the spit to antiques, produce, and even clothing. Conclude your visit with a refreshing beverage at one of the bars surrounding the square.
