Lille has one of the prettiest town centres in the country, complete with an ancient historic core, Vieux Lille, which is awash with fine, old Flemish buildings; winding, cobbled alleys; and numerous relaxing cafés. Charles de Gaulle’s house of birth is a popular museum here, while the Illustration Café is a must-see for those looking to enjoy a laid-back beer.
Ancient Lille (Vieux Lille)
Vieux Lille is the historical centre of Lille and home to a fine network of cobbled streets lined with ancient buildings. Grande place is the main square and most interesting place in Vieux Lille, featuring the gorgeous Ancienne Bourse stately mansion and the 17th century Old Stock Exchange. Second-hand bookshops, flower stalls, antique shops and a laid-back atmosphere are the hallmarks of the old town.
La Piscine Museum of Art and Industry
The Musée d'Art et d'Industrieis located a fair way out of Lille, but is nevertheless worth a visit. The Art Deco swimming pool is the main focus here in this converted, disused railway station - an architectural masterpiece with curved ceilings, balconies all-round and numerous posing statues. Phone: +33 3 2069 2360.
Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle
Those with any sort of interest in the former French general and statesman Charles de Gaulle might like to check out where he was born. This distinctly upper-class abode from the 1890s is now a museum and features some fine displays, including de Gaulle’s baptismal robe and interesting short films. You can get here by bus along line 9. Phone: +33 3 2838 1205.
Old Stock Exchange (Vieille Bourse)
Designed by renowned French architect Julien Destrée, the 17th century Vieille Bourse is a fine example of the Flemish Baroque style. It is located between place du Général-de-Gaulle and place du Théâtre in Vieux Lille, two of the finest squares in town, and trade still takes place here in the form of booksellers and flower markets on market days. A onsite coffee shop features flavoured coffee and hot chocolate.
Lille Sightseeing
For more information on specific topics click the links below:
Lille has one of the prettiest town centres in the country, complete with an ancient historic core, Vieux Lille, which is awash with fine, old Flemish buildings; winding, cobbled alleys; and numerous relaxing cafés. Charles de Gaulle’s house of birth is a popular museum here, while the Illustration Café is a must-see for those looking to enjoy a laid-back beer.Ancient Lille (Vieux Lille)Vieux Lille is the historical centre of Lille and home to a fine network of cobbled streets lined with ancient buildings. Grande place is the main square and most interesting place in Vieux Lille, featuring the gorgeous Ancienne Bourse stately mansion and the 17th century Old Stock Exchange. Second-hand bookshops, flower stalls, antique shops and a laid-back atmosphere are the hallmarks of the old town.
La Piscine Museum of Art and IndustryThe Musée d'Art et d'Industrieis located a fair way out of Lille, but is nevertheless worth a visit. The Art Deco swimming pool is the main focus here in this converted, disused railway station - an architectural masterpiece with curved ceilings, balconies all-round and numerous posing statues. Phone: +33 3 2069 2360.
L'Illustration Café
Located on rue Royale in the town centre, L'Illustration Café makes a great stop off on a tour of Lille. It is somewhat of a chill out café, and although a bit smoky it is adorned with works by local painters and Art Nouveau woodwork. The café is quintessentially French and makes a fine place to sip at a coffee or beer. Phone: +33 3 2012 0090.
Located on rue Royale in the town centre, L'Illustration Café makes a great stop off on a tour of Lille. It is somewhat of a chill out café, and although a bit smoky it is adorned with works by local painters and Art Nouveau woodwork. The café is quintessentially French and makes a fine place to sip at a coffee or beer. Phone: +33 3 2012 0090.
Maison Natale de Charles de GaulleThose with any sort of interest in the former French general and statesman Charles de Gaulle might like to check out where he was born. This distinctly upper-class abode from the 1890s is now a museum and features some fine displays, including de Gaulle’s baptismal robe and interesting short films. You can get here by bus along line 9. Phone: +33 3 2838 1205.
Old Stock Exchange (Vieille Bourse)Designed by renowned French architect Julien Destrée, the 17th century Vieille Bourse is a fine example of the Flemish Baroque style. It is located between place du Général-de-Gaulle and place du Théâtre in Vieux Lille, two of the finest squares in town, and trade still takes place here in the form of booksellers and flower markets on market days. A onsite coffee shop features flavoured coffee and hot chocolate.
