Lille is rich in its history and its exceptional heritage, not to mention its delicious and comforting gastronomy !
An important cultural heritage
A visit to Lille should not overlook its cultural heritage, start with the Museum of Fine Arts which is the largest museum of fine arts in the province, in number of works exhibited, a palace where history art is shown to you from prehistory to contemporary art. The Hospice Comtesse is an essential visit as much for its historic building, a former 15th century hospital, as for its journey through the rich permanent collections on Lille life throughout history or its temporary exhibitions.
The famous fricadelle
Culinary specialties from the north are the success of restaurants in Lille. Meet at the Estaminet Chez La Vieille, an institution ! You taste the famous fricadelle and its skilfully kept secret piccadilli sauce or you fall for the Flemish carbonnade. In the brasserie area, the Brasserie Flore is right next to the Grand’Place. In its elegant setting, you continue your exploration of regional specialties. Looking for a trendy place? Go to Better in Villeneuve d’Ascq ! It is a street food market with 8 stands to eat in a chic flea market atmosphere. Don’t miss a trip to the Wazemmes market under the halls of the same name. This will be an opportunity to bring local products home, such as Maroilles cheese.
The old Lille
The walk in Old Lille is exotic : the Grand’Place, the Town Hall and its belfry, the Palais Rihour where the Tourist Office is located, the very beautiful building of the Vieille Bourse occupied by booksellers, the Opera, the old streets lined with shops and taverns, the cathedral…
The Old Stock Exchange
The old stock exchange, built from 1652 to 1653 by Julien Destrée, is unquestionably the most beautiful monument in the city. It welcomes booksellers in its courtyard and in summer tango demonstrations. Composed of twenty-four identical houses which surround a cloister, the eye is attracted by the infinite variety of caryatids which adorn the pilasters. The same opulence is found in the decoration of the windows, with sometimes curved or triangular pediments, decorated with cartridges, garlands and fleshy fruits, in the manner of the Flemish Renaissance. The lions of Flanders sculpted on the portals recall Lille’s belonging to the Netherlands. On the four sides, above the windows on the second floor, are painted in brightly colored cartouches the acronyms of contemporary companies. Thanks to their patronage, restoration work has restored the Vieille Bourse to its former glory.
The Art Deco swimming pool
In an exceptional setting of the former art deco swimming pool built by Albert Baert in 1932, the Museum of Art and Industry invites you to an original discovery of its collections of applied arts (drawing, textiles, ceramics) and Fine Arts. Arts (painting, sculpture of the 19th and 20th centuries).
The Citadel Vauban
The Citadel Vauban is the green space of Lille, you will find the Bois de Boulogne, an amusement park, a garden, a zoo… But if one shopping day is enough for you, the Usine in Roubaix will be your paradise! It is a huge factory outlet that offers designer clothes at discounted prices.
