Hotels in Lille
What to see by foot: Lille
 
Lille was part of Belgium until 1667, and the city consequently has a charming
blend of classical Flemish and French architectural styles. It also has a lively
atmosphere, superb restaurants, and several worthwhile museums nestled in among
the historic treasures of its old town.
Ancient Lille, or Vieux Lille as the historical centre is known, is a magical
maze of cobbled streets full of traditional buildings and antique shops. In
the Grande Place, just outside of the heart of the old town, you can find the
stately mansion of Ancienne Bourse and the 17th century Old Stock Exchange,
as well as a courtyard filled with quaint second-hand bookshops and flower stalls.
The fountain in the centre of the Grande Place is a popular spot to linger while
absorbing the laid-back atmosphere.
Strolling onwards from this square will take you to the adjacent place du Theatre,
where the New Stock Exchange, built in the early 20th century, displays a highly
decorative belfry offering panoramic views from its pinnacle.
This route takes you into the very core of the historical area, where you can
visit the Museum of the Hospice Comtesse, commissioned in 1237 by the Countess
of Flanders. Today, it is home to a fabulous collection of northern art and
cultural artefacts. There are more than a hundred Dutch and Flemish paintings
within its age-old walls, as well as local earthenware and items crafted from
silver and gold. The nearby Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Treille is also worth
visiting.
The Museum of Fine Arts was originally built between 1889 and 1892, but was
recently renovated. It is one of Europe's most impressive art galleries, second
in magnitude only to the Louvre, and art enthusiasts should be sure not to miss
it. The exhibits include paintings by great names such as Rubens, Picasso and
Goya, and galleries documenting Medieval and Renaissance history.
Travelling farther along to rue de Bruxelles, you will find the Natural History
and Geological Museum, which contains captivating displays of rocks, fossils,
minerals and stuffed animals, and live exhibits of insects and fish.
Selection of hotels in this region:
De La Paix Hotel | | Crowne Plaza Lille | | Hotel des Tours | | Novotel Lille Flandres | | Mercure Centre Le Royal | | Novotel Lille Centre | | Comfort Hotel Opera | | Carlton Hotel | | Express by Holiday Inn Lille | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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