Lille
Lille is in north-eastern France, close to the frontier with Belgium. It is a substantial city, and centre of the largest conurbation in this region of France.
Introduction
Long an industrial centre, especially following the industrial revolution of the 19th century, Lille fell into the same problems of decline that affected many such cities. In the last two decades it has made great efforts to revive itself and make the most of its character, and is now perhaps the most important tourist destination in this part of France. This 'rebirth' was celebrated in 2004 when the city was European City of Culture.
Many of the interesting buildings and monuments in the city have been given a new lease of life. The most interesting part of a visit to Lille now is centred around the 'old centre', a substantial district containing numerous 17th and 18th century townhouses and other buildings, in a regenerated region of the town.
The Old Town
Most important among these buildings is the 'Vieille bourse', between Grand Place and the Place de Theatre. The Vieille Bourse is a fine series of 17th century buildings with a large courtyard (the highlight)surrounded by impressively decorated houses (many are now shops at ground level) and some of the most intricate arcades to be found. There are numerous carvings and statues on the buildings...
Another substantial construction is Vauban's citadelle, said to be the strongest in France and surrounded by parkland - well preserved, and open for limited visiting.
Some remnants of the fortifications that once surrounded the old town can still be seen, and gateways along their length - of varying stature from the very old Noble Tower, through the entrance gates at Porte de Roubaix and Porte de Gand, to the grandiose structure and decoration of the Porte de Paris (the current Porte de Paris replaces the original, more modest, entrance that stood here).
The Opera House and the Palais Rihour (home to Lille Tourist office) are among the other impressive buildings - both were (separately) damaged by fires early in the 20th century but have been extensively rebuilt / restored.
There is a substantial cathedral in Lille, the cathedral Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille, built in the 20th century that is of passing interest.
Lille Museums
There are several museums of note in Lille, but one stands far ahead of the others in terms of interest and visitor numbers.
Lille Museum of Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux-Arts) is the second most popular museum in France ( the Louvre is number 1) and contains a very wide selection of paintings covering all art-forms and most artists from the 16th century to the 20th century.
Other museums in Lille include:
Museum of Natural History
Museum of the Hospice Comtesse - an interesting look at life here in the 14th-17th centuries (in a very attractive 13th century Flemish building)
Museum of the Cannoniers - shows the military importance of Lille and the battles and attacks it underwent
Lille Markets
There are several weekly markets in Lille, including:
- the unmissable market here is the Wazemmes Market, where an innumerable
number of stands cater to an innumerable number of visitors, with a very
wide range of food products and other items available. One of the largest
markets in France, it is open on Place de la Nouvelle Aventure on Tuesday,
Thursday and Sunday mornings. be sure to pick up some of the local cheese -
'Vieux Lille' - while you are there.
- the Arts Market at place des Archives (Sunday morning) is a good place
to see (and buy) arts, crafts, paintings etc.
The Lille christmas market is also among the most poular of the markets held in the run-up to Christmas across northern France.
Public Gardens in Lille
- To the south of the town are the extensive Botanical Gardens, and an
impressive tropical greenhouse
- The pretty English style gardens at Vauban Garden are a haven of peace
in the city
- The extensive Citadel Park associated with Lille Zoo covers a very large
area, with the trees in the Bois de Boulogne being one of the highlights
Visit Lille (Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Nord) travel, gites and hotels
Best Prices on Hotels in Lille - Guaranteed
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The Lille hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Lille is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Nord-Pas-de-Calais gites for Lille holiday rentals - Holiday villages in Nord-Pas-de-Calais Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: VisitSee Visit Lille for places to visit near Lille including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Lille in our Nord-Pas-de-Calais forum Lille property for saleSee Nord-Pas-de-Calais property for sale
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Tourist Classifications for Lille
- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
Places to visit near Lille, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Lille.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
15 km: Belfries of France (belfrois) 14 km: Roubaix (Town of art and history)
See also Lille (version Francais)
