The Grand'Place

The heart of the town since its creation over a thousand years ago, the Place du Général-de-Gaulle has worn many hats over the ages. Long occupied by the Deûle, the river that flows around the citadel, it was in the 13th century that it took on its commercial functions, before becoming the market square a few years later.

The mythical cobblestones made their appearance almost 600 years ago, before the installation of the Column of the Goddess, honouring the courage and resistance of the inhabitants during the Revolution against the Austrians in 1792.

Since then, the Grand'Place has continued to be a favourite meeting place for the people of Lille and tourists alike, particularly during the major annual events it hosts. Bars, restaurants, shops and grocery shops continue to keep commerce alive in the area.

The buildings on the Place du Général-de-Gaulle boast remarkable Flemish architecture, with an equally exciting past. With its 24 identical houses surrounding a cloister with richly ornate facades, the Vieille Bourse is THE building to see in Lille! This sumptuous jewel separates the Grand'Place from the Place de l'Opéra, which meet by crossing its inner courtyard.

Built in the 17th century at the instigation of merchants and brokers who wanted to meet up without anyone knowing, the Stock Exchange is an integral part of the Lille landscape. Chess players, florists and second-hand booksellers meet there every day, while visitors try to find the most beautiful vintage poster on display.

The sparrow-stepped roof, neo-Flemish façade and bronze statue of the Three Graces are the distinctive features of the historic headquarters of the newspaper "La Voix du Nord", at number 8. The eight-storey building boasts bas-reliefs and coats of arms that have been symbolic of the place for nearly a century.

The Théâtre du Nord, the Hôtel Bellevue and the Furet du Nord have also taken up residence in the city's central square, between the distinctive shopfronts of all the adjoining buildings where some lucky residents of Lille live.

Every year, the Grand'Place is the setting for the Christmas market's biggest attraction: the Giant Ferris Wheel. Take to the skies, more than 50 metres above the ground, to see the illuminations throughout the town, the Christmas village on Place Rihour and enjoy a magical interlude.

After the cold of winter, it's the warmth of summer that gets people dancing in the Grand'Place! For two months, every Sunday, novices and experienced dancers alike will get together to share a few steps to Latin rhythms. Dance in Lille is all about conviviality, sharing and good humour, under the Lille sun!

On the other side of the Vieille Bourse, open your eyes wide and look up to admire the jewels of the Place du Théâtre. It gave its name to the place; the Opéra de Lille is full of pretty little details, both inside and out, and is well worth a look. Take the time to sit down for a few minutes on the steps of this theatre, like all good persons from Lille!

The star of Lille city centre, the Chamber of Commerce Belfry with its four-dial clock can be seen from many parts of the city. Listed as a historic monument, the 76-metre-high building appears on all the best postcards, but don't ever confuse it with the Town Hall Belfry!

A well-deserved lunch break a stone's throw from the Grand'Place, in the little rue Saint-Etienne, at La Wilderie. A unique atmosphere, in the middle of the jungle, where 1001 species of plants live side by side with the fresh, seasonal and local flavours of delicious sweet and savoury dishes!

Address: 2 Rue Saint-Etienne, 59000 Lille

Opening times: 11am - 7pm Sunday to Friday / 10am - 7pm Saturday

In Rue Lepelletier, a leafy terrace adorned with colourful garlands of lights is the place to be for epicureans from Lille. Fine wines and hearty dishes with a northern flavour are the order of the day at Les Compagnons de la Grappe.

Address: 26 Rue Lepelletier, 59000 Lille

Opening times: noon - 2.30pm / 7.00pm - 10.30pm Sunday to Thursday / noon - 2.30pm / 7.00pm - 11.00pm Friday to Saturday

The emblematic Hôtel Bellevue, located on the Grand'Place, offers travellers passing through Lille a calm and luxurious night's sleep, in the heart of the bustling evenings of the capital of Flanders.