Whether you are planning a trip to the French city of Lille or are a frequent visitor to the area, there are many activities that you can enjoy. You can check out the Zoo de Lille, visit the Place aux Oignons, and go to Saint Maurice Catholic Church.
Vieux-Ville
Visiting the Old Town of Nice, or Vieux-Ville, is one of the best things to do in the city. This quaint area features narrow cobblestone streets, arched pedestrian passages, niche fountains, and an irresistible array of shops. It also offers some of the world's best wine, mouthwatering delicacies, and picturesque scenery.
The town's main landmark is the 17th century Cathedral of Saint Reparata, which is located in the heart of the Old Town. Another notable site is the 17th century City Courthouse, which is located in the Baroque style of architecture.
There are many small streets in Vieux-Ville, each with a unique architectural detail. Rue Bonaparte is the former home of Napoleon, and is now a trendy neighborhood. In addition to being a place to buy souvenirs, the street is also known for its laundry hanger, which has stood the test of time.
Place aux Oignons
Located in the heart of Vieux-Lille, Place aux Oignons is a beautiful square surrounded by restaurants and cafes. The buildings around the square date back to the 17th and 18th century, and are restored. The area is a great place to stop for a bite to eat or a drink, and is an ideal location to begin a driving tour of the city.
In the Grand' Place, you'll find many shops and cafes to while away the hours, and you'll find the Palais des Beaux-Arts, a museum featuring European art, as well as archaeological finds. If you're feeling peckish, you can get some local Flemish beers at a number of bars and restaurants.
Another notable place in the square is the old stock exchange. This is a building that was built in the 17th century, and was originally used as a stock exchange. The old stock exchange is considered one of the city's most important landmarks.
Saint Maurice Catholic Church
Visiting Lille, France, is a wonderful experience for architecture lovers. The city is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can easily spend a week exploring the major attractions, and then return to the city to spend some more time exploring its charming neighborhoods.
The Grand Place is a magnificent sight. It is a central meeting place in the city, and offers the opportunity to see 17th- and 18th-century architecture.
The Palais des Beaux-Art de Lille is a beautiful museum that features an impressive art collection. You can also see paintings by artists from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Museum of Modern Art in Lille, LaM, has a wide selection of works by Picasso, Braque, and Paul Klee.
Another place to visit in Lille is the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Treille, which is a five-minute walk from the Grand Place. The cathedral has a tower in its facade. You can also explore the interior of the cathedral, which is decorated with works by local artists.
Lille's zoo
Visiting the zoo is a great way to spend a day in Lille. With more than 400 animals residing in a 3.5 hectare park, visitors can learn about animals and ecology while having fun. The zoo also hosts regular organized activities. Children can take part in animal feeding, treasure hunts, and even play with snakes.
There are six thematic areas in the zoo. You can explore the tropical house, the monkey building, the American part, and the African part. In the African part, you will find white rhinos, plains zebras, and common eland.
You can also visit the miniature zo. There are about 100 species living in this small zo.
Another great attraction in the zoo is the alley aviary. Here you will see blue peacocks, snow owls, and other animals.
The Belfry
Among the many attractions in Lille, the Belfry of Lille Town Hall is one of the city's most impressive. A 104-meter high structure, the Belfry is a symbol of the city's communal liberties. It is also the highest belfry in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The belfry is also home to a number of interesting art pieces. For two euros, visitors can take an audioguide to learn more about the belfry's history.
For an alternative view of the city, climb the 109 stairs to the top of the Belfry. At the top, you can take in a 360-degree view of Lille.
Another great building in Lille is the Old Stock Exchange. Built in 1652, this is one of the city's oldest and most architecturally impressive buildings. It houses a second hand book market and chess matches.