Let’s Discover Lille Together! A Stroll Through the Heart of the City

Bienvenue to Lille! Today, we’re going on a little urban adventure — a walking tour that takes you right through the soul of this beautiful city. So grab your comfiest shoes (and maybe a waffle on the go?) and let’s get started!

First Stop: The Grand Place — Lille’s Living Room

We kick things off at the Grand Place — officially called Place du Général de Gaulle, but locals stick to the old name. It’s buzzing with life, flanked by cafés, restaurants, and full of energy no matter the season. In winter? There’s a giant Ferris wheel and the smell of vin chaud in the air. In summer? Locals spill out onto the terraces for a drink in the sun.

Smack in the middle stands the Column of the Goddess, looking fierce and fabulous since 1845. She’s holding a firelighter (yes, she’s literally about to light a cannon — very French Revolution-chic), and pointing to an inscription below that honors the bravery of Lille’s citizens during the 1792 siege.

Look around and you’ll spot some pretty impressive buildings: the ornate La Voix du Nord headquarters with its flashy Flemish facade, and just around the corner, the Théâtre du Nord, once a military building, now a spot for culture and drama.

Hidden Gem: The Vieille Bourse

Just behind the Grand Place, nestled like a secret, is the Vieille Bourse. This beauty was built in the 1650s and is actually 24 little houses wrapped around a glorious courtyard. Inside, under the arches, you’ll find second-hand booksellers, vintage posters, old comics — it’s heaven for treasure hunters. Come in the evening and you might stumble upon a spontaneous tango. Yes, really. Tango in a 17th-century courtyard? Only in Lille!

Onward to the Opéra and That Iconic Belfry

Next, we wander to Place de l’Opéra. The Opera House is a 1920s stunner, all neoclassical curves and Parisian flair. Just across the way, the Chamber of Commerce Belfry rises like a proud guardian of the city. It’s 76 meters tall, and if you’re lucky, you’ll hear its 25 bells playing a traditional northern lullaby — including the beloved “P’tit Quinquin.”

A Touch of History: Rand de Beauregard

Now, turn around and take in the Rand de Beauregard — a perfectly preserved row of 17th-century houses. They’ve got flair, they’ve got charm… and they’ve got cannonballs? Yep! Look closely and you’ll spot about a dozen cannonballs stuck in the walls, leftovers from when Louis XIV captured Lille. One of them even got a cheeky makeover — pink with a nipple. Lille’s humor on full display!

There’s also a cute statue of a bell-ringer nearby. Legend says he used to ring the market bell right here.

Next Up: Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral

Let’s leave the square and wander down Rue de la Bourse, with its gorgeous facades, until we reach Notre-Dame de la Treille. Now, this cathedral is a bit of a surprise. It started out in 1854 as a neo-Gothic dream, but the front was finished in 1999 with a giant ogive-shaped slab of grey marble that glows orange from the inside. Add to that a massive stained glass rose window by artist Ladislas Kijno, and… wow.

And don’t miss the back of the cathedral — it’s all crooked, colorful little houses that look like something out of a fairytale. Instagram alert!

Vieux-Lille’s Cobblestone Charm

Now let’s get lost (in the best way) in Vieux-Lille. Think cobbled streets and names like Rue des Chats Bossus (Hunchbacked Cats Street), Place aux Oignons, and Rue de la Monnaie. You’ll find lovely boutiques, hidden courtyards, and some of the city’s most charming corners, including the lovely Îlot Comtesse.

Almost There: Porte de Gand & La Citadelle

We follow Rue de Gand to the Porte de Gand, an old city gate from the 1600s, later adapted to let trams pass through. In the middle, there’s a beautifully sculpted city crest — very regal!

To wrap up our tour, we stroll down Rue du Pont Neuf toward La Citadelle — Lille’s green lung. It’s the perfect place to catch your breath, chill out under the trees, or snap some last pics of those cute little brick houses with colourful shutters.

After a look at The Citadel, the route takes us back to Grand Place along some of Lille’s finest shopping streets.

Discover the Citadel of Lille: A Masterpiece by Vauban

Nestled in the heart of Lille’s lush greenery, the Citadel of Lille is one of the city’s most iconic historical landmarks and a true gem for visitors seeking a blend of heritage, architecture, and nature. Designed by the legendary military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban in the 17th century, the citadel is often referred to as the “Queen of Citadels” — a testament to its grandeur and strategic importance.

Commissioned by King Louis XIV after the conquest of Lille in 1667, the citadel was built between 1667 and 1670 to strengthen France’s northern defences. Vauban, the king’s chief military engineer, designed it in the shape of a five-pointed star — a revolutionary design at the time — allowing for optimal defence and visibility in all directions. The structure combines military ingenuity with elegant symmetry, making it both a formidable fortress and a work of art.

Today, the Citadel remains an active military base, which means visitors can only enter during guided tours, but the surrounding park and the Bois de Boulogne are open year-round. A walk around the citadel’s star-shaped moat offers peaceful views and a unique perspective on Vauban’s design. Information panels around the site help bring its fascinating history to life.

The area around the Citadel is perfect for a relaxing day out. Families, joggers, and history lovers alike enjoy the shady paths, picnic spots, and proximity to the Lille Zoo — located just next to the fortress. You can also rent a bike or join a boat ride along the Deûle river.

A visit to Lille wouldn’t be complete without seeing this marvel of military architecture. Whether you’re a history buff or just in search of a scenic walk, the Citadel of Lille offers a memorable experience that combines the legacy of Vauban with the charm of northern France.