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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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by isamiga76

The historic center of Charleroi is divided into Upper and Lower Town. The center of the Upper Town is formed by the square of Charles II., where you can see the most important monument of Charleroi. That is the Town Hall and the Bell tower called Belfry of Charleroi, which is together with other fifty-five Belgian and Northern France Belfries inscribed on a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Very interesting is also St. Christopher Basilica standing at the opposite side.

Lower City is situated around the square of Albert I., which is the commercial center of Charleroi. The city is also known for a number of interesting museums, which you can not miss on your visit. Head to the Museum of Glass, Museum of Photography and the Archaeological Museum. Museum of Fine Arts and Jules Destré Museum are waiting for you in the building of Town Hall, dating from the 30′s of the 20th century.

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Amiens Cathedral / Maurice

The destruction and bombing of the city during the First and Second World War, miraculously didn’t destroyed the great Cathédrale de Notre-Dame, which is the main reason for visiting Amiens. It is a wonderful representative of the French Gothic style and it is also the highest cathedral in all of France. It stands on the place of the burnt Romanesque basilica. It was built between 1220 – 1236 and at that time it was the largest in France. The building is 145 meters long, 112 meters high. Arches inside the vault measured 42,3 meters. The cathedral was not built just to their astonishing height, but also as a place to be imposed on the head of John the Baptist brought from a failed crusade. The construction involved three architects, the most famous of them was Robert de Luzarches.

The city tour can proceed in the district St. Leu, which is the oldest and most attractive part of Amiens. It extends north from the cathedral and you can get into it through one of the bridges over the river Somme. You will find the narrow cobbled streets with flowers, restaurants, cafes, as well as antique markets and small art studios. The local squares are lined with canals, and therefore this area is often called Little Venice – La Petite Venice. If you will be tired, you can get into a boat and get a ride on the canal between the flowering gardens. The streets around the cathedral have beautifully renovated building, such as the medieval bell tower or a house, which houses the Museo de Picardie. This museum has a wide focus, you will find here something from each side, plus a few hidden archaeological pieces. Here you can see the works from the Roman period up to the 20th century, but excels mainly in the collection of French paintings and sculptures. Statues of glowing white marble from the 19th century are very charming, as well as works by Picasso and Balthus located on the second floor.

Another interesting museum is located in the building of the Hotel de Berny from 17th century.

One of the famous people that were born in Amiens was the writer Jules Verne (1828 – 1905), whose house Maison á la Tour you can visit here. Verne wrote a large part of his fantasy novels right here.

Other sights include the Perret tower standing next to the station from August Peretti, or a number of churches, such as Ste Jeanne d’Arc, St Acheul, Sainte Anne or Saint Firmin. In 1970, the University of Jules Verne was founded here in Amiens.

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One of the most beautiful buildings in Dunkerque is certainly the local town hall dating from the early 20th century. Amongst others, we can notice the facade of the hero image of Jean Bart and his crew. Hall is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Equally beautiful is the Gothic church of Saint-Eloi. During the Second World War was almost completely destroyed, retained only the front wall. Reconstruction took place at the beginning of this millennium, as a reminder of the horrors of war were left craters in the facade of bullet holes. Church of Saint-Eloi was originally connected with a bell tower, in the late 19th century, these buildings were separated. Now, there is a busy street between them. Even the bell tower is part of UNESCO.

Near the port of Dunkerque is Leughenaer tower, which was originally part of the fortifications. Interesting is also the chapel of Notre Dame des Dunes.

In the port we can visit the Maritime Museum, just opposite is a beautiful ship Duchesse Anne, which is also a popular destination for visitors.

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