Tourist Attractions in Lille

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Lille

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Lille

Lille is a border city located 14 kilometres from Belgium. Many historical events of different centuries are connected with it, which is reflected in the local sights. Charles de Gaulle, the French president who changed the colonial policy of the country, was born here. A square is named in his honour, and there is also a museum headed by the de Gaulle Foundation.

The architecture reflects the features of different eras. Churches, the Old Exchange and other buildings are all historic monuments or World Heritage sites. The Citadel is still an active military facility, while the Hospital des Comtesse has been converted into a museum. Football fans will not pass by the home stadium of the Lille club, and young travellers and their parents will definitely enjoy the cosy city zoo.

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Lille

Place du Général de Gaulle

 0/5

The central square of the city. It has several names, including Grand Square and Goddess Square. The latter name is due to the presence of a fountain with a column depicting a female figure holding an artillery fuse. The official name is in honour of the first president Charles de Gaulle, who was born in Lille. The Old Stock Exchange building is also located here, and a little further on is the Opera House.

Old Exchange

 0/5

It was built in the middle of the XVII century. The architectural style is Flemish. The author of the project is Julien Destre. The complex consists of 24 absolutely identical houses. Decorative finishing, columns, stucco – all this in abundance. In the past, there was a fierce bidding war. The inner courtyard is now a place where flowers are sold and dance parties are held. It was recognised as a historical monument in 1921.

Porte de Paris

 4.4/5

2524 reviews

Erected at the end of the 17th century. Their appearance was connected with the conquest of Lille by King Louis XIV. He ordered the gate to be built in the place where the ruined fortifications stood. The construction is a massive arch, in which Baroque features are noticeable. It is decorated with sculptures of ancient gods and heroes. Nearby attractions: the town hall and the Ghent Hospital, which has become an upscale hotel.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Hôtel de Ville de Lille

 3.8/5

379 reviews

It was built in the first half of the 20th century. It replaced the previous town hall, which was destroyed during the war. The author of the project was Emil Dubisson. The main materials were reinforced concrete and red brick. The bell tower – the largest in Europe – was erected next to it. The height is 104 metres. The columns at the base are made in the form of sculptures. Another feature is a powerful searchlight, the beam of which, according to rumours, “reaches” to Belgium. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

CCI de Lille

 4.6/5

204 reviews

Louis-Marie Cordonnier’s project was completed in about 11 years by 1921. Many of the organisations previously based in the Old Exchange moved here. The façade has many decorative details, but they are unobtrusive. Thanks to the bell tower, the overall height of the structure is 76 metres. A characteristic chime is heard every 15 minutes. The Chamber of Commerce received the status of a historical monument in 2016.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 5:15 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 5:15 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 5:15 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 5:15 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 5:15 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Lille Opera

 4.6/5

1530 reviews

Louis Marie Cordonnier was responsible for the project. He won the competition for the construction of the new opera house and completed the work by 1913. The architectural style is neoclassical. The roof and facade are decorated with sculptures. The First World War postponed the opening for 10 years, although performances were unofficially staged. In 2003, after a major renovation, the building became available to the public again. The auditorium has approximately one thousand seats.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 1:30 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 1:30 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 1:30 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 1:30 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 12:30 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral

 4.3/5

5314 reviews

It was laid in 1854 and construction lasted for a century and a half. The architectural style is neo-Gothic. The roof is made of marble panels, and the stained glass window of the facade was painted by Ladislas Kiino, a famous contemporary artist. The height of the bell tower of the cathedral is about 100 metres, which allows you to see the structure from different points of the city. The basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and there is a statue of her inside, dating back to the 12th century.

Open time

Monday: 2:00 – 6:15 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 6:15 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 6:15 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:15 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:15 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:15 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:15 PM

Saint Maurice Catholic Church at Lille

 4.5/5

1141 reviews

Or the Church of St Mauritius. Construction began in the 14th century and was finished only 5 centuries later. This affected the external appearance: different architects brought their own details. Initially, the cathedral was to receive the status of a cathedral, but it was overtaken by competitors. The project was completed by Philippe Cannisier, who made it more harmonious. The main treasure is the gift bearer of St Mauritius.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 3:00 – 8:00 PM

Citadelle de Lille

 4.3/5

551 reviews

The construction was completed in a few years by 1671. It was designed by the Marquis de Vauban. It has a pentagonal shape. When attacking one wall, the enemy was under fire from the other. Although the citadel is unique in its characteristics, it is not included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The reason is that the citadel is still an active military site.

Open time

LaM, Lille Métropole Musée d'art moderne, d'art contemporain et d'art brut

 4.4/5

2529 reviews

Located in the Parc de Villeneuve d’Asca. The main focus is on art objects from the early 20th century to the present day. The number of exhibits is close to 5 thousand. In 2002, a new wing was added to the museum building. The exposition space occupies 4 thousand square metres. The collection includes works by Modigliani, Picasso and Calder. The Art Brut collection is the largest in France. The museum has an extensive library.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Palais des Beaux Arts

 4.5/5

6639 reviews

The year 1792 can be considered the foundation. The current collection originates from the gallery of the painter Louis Watteau, located in the academy of painting. The exhibition included 30 paintings. In 1809, a new programme to popularise art allowed the exhibition to expand many times over. Later, sculptures, coins and ceramics were added to the paintings. At present, the exhibitions are held in two buildings on Republic Square.

Open time

Monday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse

 4.3/5

1422 reviews

The alternative name is “Almshouse”. It has existed in the city since the beginning of the 13th century. Countess Jeanne of Constantinople founded and maintained a hospital for the poor. Several reconstructions changed the initial appearance of the building. Later it housed an orphanage. At the turn of the 60s and 70s of the last century, the former hospital became the Museum of Flanders. The exhibition tells about the history, culture and art of the region.

Open time

Natural History Museum

 4.4/5

4021 reviews

Founded in 1822, the collections contain more than 500,000 exhibits. The Museum has sections for many sciences, including geology, zoology, botany, ethnography. One of the mini-exhibitions is dedicated to Lille’s industry: from its beginnings to the present day. The current building was dedicated to the exposition in 1902. New details are constantly being added to the excursion tour, and there is also an interactive component.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Maison natale Charles de Gaulle

 4.5/5

1320 reviews

It was opened in 1983. The building belongs to the foundation named after the first president of the Fifth Republic. De Gaulle was born here and was baptised in a church nearby. The exposition is divided into two sectors. The first is the living quarters, the second is the premises of the factory that belonged to de Gaulle’s family. You can learn how the future president lived in his childhood, as well as about his professional activities. In 1990, the house received the status of a historical monument.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Restaurant Le Cô Dô Huê

 4.3/5

448 reviews

Built at the end of the 19th century. It was named in honour of the ceramics master who commissioned the project. The exterior decoration used materials atypical for that time. There are almost no straight lines in the exterior of the building. Koyo invented a special type of ceramic tile, which also found a place in the design of the facade. It has been a historical monument since 1977. It is currently owned by a private individual.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Gare Saint Sauveur

 4.4/5

5043 reviews

Opened in 1848. It existed until 2003 and was closed as it had lost its relevance. The authorities were faced with the question of how to use the vast territories that were to remain empty. After public discussions, they created a recreation area, modernising a number of premises and completing the necessary infrastructure. There are places for walking, bars, restaurants and shops.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

Lille-Flandres station

 3.9/5

1417 reviews

The station itself has been in existence since 1842. It is the main station in the city. Communication is maintained not only with neighbouring cities, but also with foreign cities, such as Belgian cities. Passenger traffic is large, although there is another railway station, Lille Europa. The station building was completed by 1892. The pediment is taken from the Gare du Nord in Paris. The building is recognised as a historical monument.

Open time

Decathlon Arena - Stade Pierre Mauroy

 4.5/5

13226 reviews

The home arena of the Lille football club was inaugurated in 2012. The following year, the stadium received its current name in honour of the city’s former mayor, who also served as prime minister. The capacity exceeds 50,000 people. There is a retractable pitch and a sliding roof. In addition to football matches, world stars such as Depeche Mode and Rihanna hold music concerts here.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Zoo de Lille

 4.2/5

9428 reviews

It has existed since 1950. The area is about 4 hectares. The territory is divided into 6 thematic sectors. There are about 70 species of animals and birds, some exotic and rare. At the entrance there are rules of behaviour that are read out to the groups. There you can also get a plan of the zoo, although it is difficult to get lost here. Entrance is free all week, except for Tuesday: it is the only day off, or rather a preventive day.

Right now place is temporarily closed.
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Louvre-Lens Museum

 4.5/5

9445 reviews

Also called Louvre II. The museum is located in Lance, a city that is geographically close to Lille. It was opened in 2012. The buildings are built near coal sites, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exhibits are taken from the vaults of the Louvre in Paris. They are displayed not according to era, but according to a completely different classification, which allows comparing works of art from different periods.

Open time