Lille, France by jledruide

1. Architecture

Lille has a large number of impressive buildings with a variety of different architecture. A number of these structures are in the centre of Lille, all within a quick walking distance of each other. Whilst there are also sights to see in the Old Lille which may require a quick bus journey. Attractions include the Palace of Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux-Arts), the Voice of the North (Voix du La Nord) and the theatre (la Métaphore). One of the main reasons for tourists coming to Lille is to view these buildings in person, as well as many others that Lille has to offer.

2. Lille Grand Place

The busiest part of town when you visit this French City is the Grand Place. Popular amongst tourists and locals alike, la Grand’place de Lille plays hosts to several of the impressive architecture buildings and sights to see. There are beautiful views wherever you stand in the Grand Place, as well as opportunities to sit and enjoy your time here, whether it be in the centre of in a park nearby. The Grand Place itself hosts a large number of shops.

3. The Vieille Bourse

The Vielle Bourse, or the Old Stock Exchange to you and me in English is arguably the most prestigious monument in the city of Lille. It is situated between the Grand Place and Theatre Square and opposite Europe’s largest book store. On the front courtyard you are often greeted by book sellers and florists.

4. Monuments

As well as impressive buildings, there are a large number of monuments and statues scattered around Lille, each contributing their own part to the city’s history. Whilst walking around the Grand Place you will notice a statue of The Goddess looking down upon you. Other statues to view during your visit include one of General Faidherbe, a tribute to the Pigeons of the 1914-18 war and a War Memorial situated at the Palais Rihour.

5. The Zoo

Lille Zoo can be found situated north of the zoo and is easily accessible with a €1.40 short bus journey from the centre. Entrance is free and the zoo holds more than 70 different species of animal from five continents. These include Rhinos, Zebras, Gibbons and Birds. If you’re going with the family for a holiday to Lille, the zoo is a great option for the kids to have a fun hour or so outdoors.

6. The Citadel

Next door to the Zoo is the Citadel of Lille. The huge pentagon-shaped citadel that remains the largest in France was built by over 2,000 men in the 17th century and was besieged during the Siege of Lille in 1708. These days the Citadel remains in top shape and tour guides are available for €7 during the summer months.

As well as all of these attractions to visit during your stay in Lille, make sure you taste their food speciality, which is mussels. This seafood dish can be purchased in most restaurants and are often served in large saucepans, usually with a wine sauce.

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1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of those iconic landmarks in the world, built 1,063 feet into the sky it dominates the Parisian skyline, meaning you can almost always see it from around the city. With tickets to the very top floor at €14.00 and to the second floor at €8.50, obviously discounts do apply to concessions and children. I would recommend going to the very top as it is a really breath-taking view.

Skyline – Paris, France at night by Jim Trodel

2. Musée d’Orsay

Arguably not as famous as its brother Le Louvre, Musée d’Orsay is just as fantastic with stunning artwork by Manet, Rousseau, Klimt Renoir and Monet to name just a few. They also have impressive, architecture, photography and sculpture’s, including a personal favourite of mine Degas’ ‘Small Dancer Age 14’. One of the most arresting features of the, Musée d’Orsay is the beautiful clock that hangs in the centre of the far wall as you enter the museum. It is a reminder that it used to be a station until 1939 and you can just imagine thousands of people looking up at it to make sure that they were on time.

3. Notre Dame

Another popular Paris tourist attraction is Notre Dame; I first came to know about it whilst watching Disney’s film ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ when I was young. Obviously that story was based upon the book by Victor Hugo, but you still get the feeling among the Gothic facades that a unknown creature could live at the top among the bells. The Gargoyles that surround the structure eerily look down at you and it makes for a chilling, but amazing experience. When you enter Notre Dame you get the overwhelming sense of being very small and insignificant in the vast building, you can’t quite believe that it was finished being built in 1345 (they started building it in 1163!)

4. The River Seine

Admittedly this isn’t just a Paris attraction as the River Seine flows for 776km; however it is one of my favourite ways to see Paris from a boat cruising along the River. There are various ports dotted up and down the Seine or you can go in a circular motion from the same point, it’s a fun way to travel instead of walking or using the Metro.

5. Montmartre

The point at which the Sacre Coeur is located, Mont Martre is a great place to wander the streets taking in the art shops, cafés and Parisian ambience. When I went we sat in a café and watched while a fantastic blues band pitched up suddenly next to an art shop and listened to the fantastic music all whilst enjoying a cup of coffee. Its moments like that, which will stay with you forever and make your trip to Paris fantastic!

Bio: Phoebe is a Freelance journalist from London and loves to travel around Europe and the US.

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