When catching a game in Lille for the Rugby World Cup in 2023, you will be delighted by all this historic town has to offer.
The legend says of Lille (External link) that it was founded in 640 by the giants Lydéric and Phinaert. But we find the first trace of Lille in a writing of 1066. Lille will be in turn Flemish, Burgundian, Spanish before becoming French in 1667 during the conquest of the city by Louis XIV. Its successive expansions over the centuries have made it the fourth largest metropolis in France today and is the capital of the Hauts-de-France (External link) region and of French Flanders.
The historic centre, Vieux Lille (External link) , is characterized by 17th-century brick town houses, cobbled pedestrian streets and the large central square, Grand Place.
The Grand Place (External link) (Main Square) is the Lillois' favourite meeting place and offers an interesting view of the architecture from the 17th to the 20th century. Standing in the centre of the squares stands the Goddess commemorating Lille's resistance to the Austrian siege in 1792. It is undoubtedly the town's finest building. This building is made up of 24 little houses around an arched courtyard. On this square is situated the Grand Garde. The building was used to house soldiers from the sentry guard. It is now the Théâtre du Nord.
© CRT Hauts-de-France Philouver
Remarkably restored, Vieux Lille (External link) (the Old Town) enchants the eye with its flamboyant architecture. The extraordinary diversity of the 17th century architecture is an invitation to saunter and appreciate the perfect harmony of brick and stone.
The Belfry (External link) was built from 1924 to 1932 by the architect Emile Dubuisson who was inspired by the triangular-gabled Flemish houses. Its 104 metres-high and listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
The Rihour Palace (External link) is one of the rare reminders of the flamboyant gothic style in Lille. On the ground floor, the Salle des Gardes (Guards room) and upstairs is the Salle du Conclave (Conclave chamber) and the sacristy with its stained glass windows.
The Cathederal de Notre Dame de la Treille (External link) commenced in 1854, when the idea of building an imposing basilica on this site dedicated to the Virgin Mary was born. Lille (External link) had been known for its miraculous statue of the Virgin protected by an iron trellis (hence the name “Notre-Dame de la Treille”) since the Middle Ages.
Due to the size of its permanent collections, the Palais des Beaux-Arts (External link) is one of the richest French museums. The building, completed between 1885 and 1892, is typical of the monumental architecture of the late 19th century.
© CRT Hauts-de-France M FARGEOT
Fully renovated in 1997, its 22,000 m² house prestigious collections of European painting (Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya, Delacroix…), a few key examples of 19th century French painting (David's Belisarius, Courbet's L’après-dînée à Ornans, Puvis de Chavannes' The Slumber, …), a large collection of drawings (including 40 sheets by Raphaël), a sculpture gallery (Carpeaux, Rodin, Claudel, Bartholdi…) and 17th and 18th centuries ceramics.
The museum is open on Monday from 2pm to 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Closed on Tuesday.
The Vieille Bourse (old stock exchange), built from 1652 to 1653, is undoubtedly the town's finest building. This building is made up of 24 little houses around an arched courtyard. A second-hand book market as well as chess players can be seen inside. The Vielle Bourse is the base of the annual Lille Flea Market - the largest of its kind in Europe and one of the most famous events in France and beyond its boarders. It is held every year on the first weekend of September covering over 100km of streets.
© CRT Hauts-de-France B GUILLEUX
Lille Tourist Office
www.lilletourism.com
Palais Rihour, Place Rihour, Lille
+33 (0) 891 56 20 04
Hello Lille www.hellolille.eu
Bike tracks and itineries abound in and around Lille (External link) , with a network of over 900kms of tracks and itineries. Establishments with the « Bikes Welcome » sign guarantee services and equipment adapted to cycle-tourists including proximity to bikes tracks, bike parking and bike maintenance.
The quaint pebbled laneways, hidden courtyards, shops and enticing cafes all combine to give Lille its unique and welcoming charm. As most of Lille’s highlights are close to one another, the city lends itself beautifully to a self-guided walking tour. Walking is a great and relaxing way to discover Lille (External link) . Visit the most attractive sites, meet the people, experience the local and way of life. Various prepared itineries (External link) are available to downlaod and so easy to navigate.
Lille walking tour map:
www.google.com/maps (External link)
If you are feeling weary, Lille has an excellent bus, tram and metro network. A 24-hour travel pass costs €4.90; single tickets are €1.65.
LILLE – WHERE TO STAY
Lille has a wide and varied range of accommodations, from grand historical residences to funky, modern pieds-à-terre.
The Hotel Clarance is a luxury five-star boutique property in the old town. A mere 16 rooms and suites share this 18th-century mansion, dedicated to art, poetry and the good life. This is not so much a (Relais & Châteaux) hotel as a cultural institution, with an innovative on-site restaurant to match. A favourite of returning guests is the Clarance Suite up among the old timber roof beams.
www.clarancehotel.com (External link)
Address: 32 Rue de la Barre, 59000 Lille, France
Phone: +33 3 59 36 35 59
Just steps from Lille’s two major train stations and the Euralille business district, Mama Shelter Lille gives travellers a central location from which to explore the city. This Mama Shelter was designed by Jalil Amor, with 112 rooms, stunning décor and excellent free wifi! On the covered rooftop, it’s easy to grab a drink with 180° view of the capital of Flanders from the verandah.
www.mamashelter.com (External link)
Address: 97 Place Saint-Hubert, 59800 Lille, France
Phone: +33 3 59 82 72 72
LILLE – “BEER” and DINE
All over the north of France, but especially in French Flanders, estaminets have never been more popular. Estaminets are to northern French what bistros are to Parisians or winstubs to Alsatians. Authentic, earthy, welcoming places to eat much-loved local comfort food.
Aux Vieux de la Vieille: A trip back in time is guaranteed in this small typical Flanders restaurant with tables on the terrace in a pretty pedestrian square.
Booking is recommended.
www.estaminetlille.fr (External link)
2-4 rue des Vieux Murs, Lille
Beer is one of the most important part of the Hauts-de-France gastronomic history. Lille is the heart of French beer country and is dotted with small-scale, boutique breweries. Authentic tasting tours show how the brewing culture has marked the territory. L'Echappee Biere conducts specialised in beer tastings and beer pairing.
www.echappee-biere.com (External link)
Address: 130 Boulevard de la Liberté, 59000 Lille, France
Phone: +33 7 82 71 68 21