Top 10 to See / to Do
If Lille was elected Capital of the European Culture in 2004 it is not by chance! Indeed, the city has an important cultural, architectural and religious heritage. Come to discover 10 inescapable monuments of Lille with Tradi’Balade. These monuments which made history of the city and the region will not miss to make you travel through times!
« Vieux-Lille »
The charm of Lille in all its magnificence. Through monuments, houses of different times, come to notice the diversity and the architectural beauty of « Vieux-Lille » which, over time, kept its spirit of the small boutiques along the paved streets such as « Rue de la Monnaie ». Come to discover the brick-built facades and their warm, typical colors of Flanders as well as the former « Quai de la Deûle », today « Peuple Belge Avenue ».
Citadel « Lille Vauban » Vauban
The « Queen of Citadels ». Situated in the Northwest of Lille, it was drawn by Vauban under Louis XIV and was an integral part of the defence system of the city. Its military role is always on the agenda, indeed, premises are reserved for the army. However the park of the citadel, as well as the zoo, are opened to the public all day.
Palace of the Museum Well Arts
Building was built in the XIXth century, it impresses by its size and by its collections of paints and sculptures of different periods, furthermore it shelters a department of Antiques, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Perfectly situated, it is one of major monuments of Lille. In front of it you will admire a building of the similar architectural style, the Prefecture.
The City hall of Lille, its Belfry and the Door of Paris
Building was built in the XIXth century, it impresses by its size and by its collections of paints and sculptures of different periods, furthermore it shelters a department of Antiques, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Perfectly situated, it is one of major monuments of Lille. In front of it you will admire a building of the similar architectural style, the Prefecture.
The Square of the Theater and its former stock exchange
An exceptional square which shows us the know-how of Lille in all its genius. Of the former stock exchange to the rank of Beauregard, of the Chamber of commerce and industry in the Opera, the square of the theater shows a certain diversity of buildings and is always a place very appreciated by the tourists.
The main square of Lille: « Grand Place » / « The Square of the goddess »
Meeting place, place of exchanges, starting point of the visits Tradi’Balade, « Grand Place » is in the center of the tourist and trading activities of Lille. It is situated on the other side of the Square of the Theater and offers too an architectural diversity which puts forward the patrimonial wealth of Lille.
Palace Rihour
The former castle of Dukes of Burgundy, built in the XVth century, destroys partially by fires, there is today only a guardroom where is today the Tourist information office and the room of the former chapel Conclave. Welcome diverse temporary exhibitions.
Gand Street and the Door of Gand
One of the most typical streets of « Vieux-Lille », very livened up in the evening, it also offers numerous and interesting houses, as well as a good choice of restaurants. Pedestrian in July-August, restaurants pull tables at the street. At the end of this street is the door of the same name, the ultimate vestige of ramparts and built during the Spanish occupation (1617 ). It is characterized by an internal facade different from that extern(day pupil), the latter showing a more defensive aspect.
The Famous Wazemmes quarter
Known for its market « Place de la Nouvelle Aventure », Wazemmes is a popular quarter of Lille which includes businesses and cultural activities. The « Maison Folie » of Wazemmes attracts a lot of artists and exhibitions. It is a center of crossings of the artists, the artistic spheres of influence and the ways of expressions of the kind.
« Quai du Wault »
The former arm of « Deûle », it is a place today where the inhabitants of Lille like resting and finding themselves during sunny days. Nearby is the public garden Foch, one of the numerous green spaces very appreciated by the city. Its ideal location allows to find very fast in « Vieux-Lille », on the main square and on the Citadel.
