Lille is located on the border with Belgium and is also known as the "Capital of Flanders".
Lille was once an important trading city in the Middle Ages and today lies at the junction of many major European trunk roads, as well as railways and waterways. In 2004, Lille was the European Capital of Culture - the "Orchestre National de Lille" and many museums such as the Musée Charles de Gaulle are well known. Mansard houses surround the rectangular Grand Place with the important stock exchange and a bell tower over 70 m high.
Places of interest
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Grand Place with Old Stock Exchange: The central square gives a great overview of the architecture from the 17th century to the 20th century. The Old Stock Exchange, also located on the Grand Place, dates from the 17th century and is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It consists of a total of 24 identical buildings with a very beautiful courtyard with arcades in the middle.
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Old Town of Lille: The old town of Lille has been lovingly restored. The pastel-coloured house facades are prime examples of 17th century Flemish architecture.
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Belfry of the Town Hall (344.5 feet = 105 m), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Citadel of Lille: The Citadel was built in 1667 and 1670 on the orders of Louis XIV. Originally, it was a small town surrounded by 5 fortresses in a star shape.
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Palais des Beaux-Arts: valuable art collections from different eras on 22,000 m2
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Birthplace of Charles de Gaulle
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Palais Rihour: Construction of the Palais Rihour began in 1453. Today, the palace is one of the few remaining examples of Flemish Gothic architecture.
Views of Lille
In the center the Colonne de la Déesse
Belfort from the Chamber of Commerce and the Stock Exchange
on the Place du Général de Gaule
on Place du Général de Gaule
with western front that needs getting used to
Example of Flemish Gothic. The building was begun in 1453 and completed 20 years later.
Overview page River Cruise
