Meet your guide at the Statue Général Faidherbe and set off on a walking tour of Lille. Begin with a visit to the Citadelle de Lille, a massive fortress constructed after the victory of Louis XIV over the Spanish when Lille was annexed by France in 1667. Learn about its construction, which took only 3 years and involved approximately 3,000,000 stones and 60,000,000 bricks.
Next, head to the Jardin Vauban, one of the oldest public parks in Lille, created in 1863. Its style resembles that of an English garden. Hear about its original name, “Park Empress Eugenie,” a reference to the wife of emperor Napoleon III, and how it changed to “Jardin Vauban” to commemorate the engineer of the Citadel.
Continue to the Monument Les Fusillés Lillois, dedicated to Eugène Jacquet, Sylvère Verhulst, Georges Maertens, Ernest Deconinck, and Léon Trulin, who were shot at the Citadel of Lille by the German army during World War I.
Then, visit the Palais Rihour, constructed by Philippe The Good Duke of Burgundy in the 15th century in Gothic style. Learn about its history, including how it was destroyed by fires and wars, and now only the chapel, a staircase, and the guard room remain.
Next, head to the Grand Place, also known as “Place du General de Gaulle,” which used to be the city’s Market square. Learn about Charles de Gaulle, a famous figure in recent French history, who was born in Lille and baptized at Saint-André Church.
Continue to the Vieille Bourse, a stock exchange building constructed in the 17th century during the Spanish Period. Admire its Flemish Renaissance architectural style and learn about its history, including how it now functions as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the North.
Finally, visit the Opera, a neoclassical building inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris, and end your tour at the Cimetière de l’Est, established in 1772 for health reasons.
