Holidays in Lille to savor the history of France by visiting museums, strolling through beautiful streets and large squares.
It is a well-known fact that France is the seat of political history, culture and art. Both because the books say so, and also because in some of its areas there are museums and historical monuments of fundamental importance for European history. Without a doubt it is one of the cities that manifests this spirit. Lille. In this guide we propose a three-day itinerary to get to know the soul of the city.
First day – The heart of the city.
It starts with one of the most precious pearls in the city. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts from Lille, with the knowledge of entering the second most important museum in all of France. In fact, if the Louvre in common thought (but not only) holds the record of fame and wealth of the treasures it houses, here you can find very interesting works belonging to artists of great caliber.
The structure was built between 1885 and 1892 and was restored in 1997. The collections show paintings by Antoon Va Dyke, but also by Francisco Goya. The signatures of Eugène Delacroix and the sculptures of Auguste Rodin are added, up to the results of the late XNUMXth century through Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
Less than 10 minutes away you will find the beautiful monument of Paris Gate, in Simon Vollant Square. It's hard not to notice it once you enter the plaza. Before your eyes stands a large white arch, built after the conquest of Lille by Louis XIV in 1667. On one side, the divinity Mars; on the other Hercules; above the Sun King at the coronation ceremony. All characters and acts that symbolize the power of France that made Europe tremble in those years.
Just in front of the square you head towards the enormous tower that stands out on the Lille skyline. This is the Beffroi of Lille and the city's Town Hall building. The tall tower rises 104 meters and can be climbed along its entire length thanks to the internal elevator. A shot from up there is worth a thousand words.
Continue along Rue de Paris, facing north of Porte de Paris, and walk just over a kilometer. You will arrive at the central point of Lille, the Great place. It is a large square that brings together people from all backgrounds, citizens and tourists like you. In the center, looking up, you will admire the triumphant statue of Napoleon on a very tall column, at whose feet water from the fountain flows. Part of the square belongs to the city's important Old Stock Exchange, a trading reference point in northeastern France.
Second day – History, religious and civil art, nature.
Start the second day with a visit to a characteristic museum of Lille, the Comtesse Hospice Museum. You are looking at a treasure chest containing almost 800 years of history. In fact, this structure was a hospital for almost this entire period, from 1237. It is now used as a museum and collects French artifacts from earlier times, within a green setting of medicinal plants.
The nearby Place Gilleson contains a sacred site that is absolutely essential to visit on the way to Lille, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de la Treille. This church became a cathedral in 1913. There are several access doors: the northern one is dedicated to Saint Joseph, the southern one represents the vocation of Saint Eubert and, finally, the eastern one is dedicated to à la Treille. Don't forget also the beautiful bell tower of Saint Nicholas and the sumptuous interior chapels. Curiosity: if you have time and are interested, ask for explanations about the underground crypt: it is the largest in Europe.
Walking along rue d'Angleterre and rue Léonard Danel you will quickly reach the garden of citadel of Lille and the homonymous architectural complex of great historical value. The place where it is located is really curious: the garden is surrounded by the Deûle canal, almost forming a small island. The citadel is surrounded by the garden that houses both the city zoo, which is home to more than 300 species of animals, and the Les Poussins amusement park. Two essential appointments in case you are accompanied by children.
In addition to the long-lived sequoias that can be seen here, there is another example of a garden nearby: the Vauban Garden. In this green corner of Lille, there are not only many types of plants, from fruit trees to centuries-old trees, but also statues dedicated to "famous" figures in French history (for example, that of Charles de Gaulle) and a singular puppet theater will guarantee you a pleasant walk.
Third day – Villeneuve d’Ascq
The history and cultural wealth of Lille make it one of the most sought after tourist destinations. Above all, this city in France, although small, has the advantage of standing out for its cultural value. In fact, it has numerous museums, some of which you have already visited, others await you both in the city center and in the Villeneuve d'Ascq neighborhood.
we start from Museum of Natural History, whose exhibitions give an overview of the evolution of the human species, also illustrating the entire natural system in which man has built his home. Regarding this last aspect, you will be surprised by the numerous finds of fossils of insects and other animals, and in particular the skeletons and reconstructions of the faunal species of mammoths that our world has welcomed in the past centuries (starting with the fantastic dinosaurs ).
To conclude your holiday in Lille we recommend a contemporary art museum in Villeneuve d'Ascq, the Justice. You will pass through conceptual works of contemporary art, passing through some original products of the artistic avant-garde of the 20th century. Open your eyes and don't repress the power of your imagination: artists like Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee and Amedeo Modigliani will sculpt the last memories of your visit.
