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Discover Lille: History, Culture and Places to Visit
At a true crossroads of Europe, Lille is the main city of France’s northern region and one of its historic capitals.
Historic Places to Visit in Lille and Flanders
It had around 232,000 inhabitants in 2016, while its extensive urban area had more than 1,280,000 in 2015. The city has a remarkably varied heritage, including civic, religious, military and environmental sites. You can admire the first citadel built by Vauban in the 18th century. Nicknamed the Queen of Citadels, it still has remains such as various gates, the Noble Tower and numerous fortifications. In the city centre, stroll through Place du Général-de-Gaulle, a grand square bordered by eight listed historic buildings, including the Théâtre du Nord and the Vieille Bourse. You can also see the Column of the Goddess, crowned by a magnificent statue more than 15 metres high.
Lille’s Neighbourhoods
You can also admire the town hall and its belfry, explore the futuristic Euralille district, or visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts and the Natural History Museum, founded in 1816. The city also has the impressive Jean-Lévy library, with no fewer than 650,000 documents, numerous theatres and performance venues, and a casino within a large complex covering 40,000 square metres.