The Citadelle can be found just outside the centre of town and is accessible by the metro. This monument is in the shape of a pentagon and still houses the French military and its operations in and around Lille.

In the center of the walled pentagonal shape in the operations and main buildings. People may have guided tours from May to August 3-5pm. The surrounding areas include a very pretty park and walkways which are open to the public. For guided tours call the Office of Tourism at 03.20.21.94.21 To get to the parks and Citadelle by bus take the #14 busline.

Everyone recommends the Citidel, don't do what we did and assume that it is open to the public all the time. You can only go on pre-booked tours, and the only tour during our stay there was fully booked, in French and only once during the whole weekend. It looked great from outside the gates though. Tickets for tours are available from the Tourist information office, near Place de Republique. Kids might enjoy the little zoo close to the Citidel, it is free a little worn & tired but good way to keep little ones happy.

Situated to the north west of the town centre, the citadelle was built in the 17th century. Its owned by the army but the park surrounding it is a great place to go for a walk. Behind the citadelle is a leisure park with a zoo. Entry is free but it is closed December to February. Across the road from the citadelle back towards town, check out the Jardin Vauban created in the mid 19th century and famed for its beautiful flowers

Lille Natural History Museum

This little natural history museum is an ideal location to visit if it is raining. You will find it at 19 rue de Bruxelles, Lille. 'Republique' or 'Mairie de Lille' Stations on Lille's convenient new metro system are 5 minutes' walk away. Urban bus routes 13 or 14 pass nearby.

Travel books