The central Grand'Place is the beating heart of Lille. This lively and beautiful square is officially named Place du General-de-Gaulle and is also known as the Place de la Déesse. It marks the southern end of the historic old city - Vieux Lille. To the south from here spreads the central pedestrian zone of the city, rich in various shopping and entertainment venues. The eastern side of Grand’Place is dominated by the imposing building of the old stock exchange - Ancienne Bourse. With its lavishly decorated façade, it is an ideal example of the 17th-century Flemish architecture. The Bourse’s courtyard is occupied by a flea market with a number of book and flower stalls. There is a lovely fountain in the middle of the square. It is a favorite relaxation place for both the local people and the visitors of the city. From the centre of the fountain erects a column, topped by the statue of La Déesse or The Goddess. The monument was built to commemorate the brave resistance of Lille against the Austrian attempt to conquer it in 1792. The statue was modeled on the wife of the city's mayor at that time.

The nearby Place du Théâtre is very rich in Flemish Renaissance architecture and buildings in a Baroque style, largely influenced by Central France. An ideal example of the last ones is the Opera, designed by Louis Cordonnier in the beginning of 20th century. The same architect constructed the impressive bell tower of the nearby Nouvelle Bourse or the new stock exchange, today housing the local Chamber of Commerce and the most central post office of the city.

Taking north direction from Place du Théâtre and walking along the elegant shopping streets rue Esquermoise and rue rue Lepelletier you will reach the heart of Vieux Lille, a labyrinth of red-brick houses with nice terraces lined up along narrow cobble stoned streets and passages. This historic area bears a unique character and charm. Being for long years a notorious ghetto, mostly inhabited by emigrants from the North African countries, today it is very successfully integrated into the mainstream of the modern city’s life again. To feel the incredible spirit of Old Lille you should walk along rue d'Angleterre, then - along rue du Pont-Neuf towards the Porte de Gand and from here - along rue de la Monnaie to the place Lion-d’Or. In this area you will find dining venues and pleasant cafes almost everywhere.

The main tourist attraction in Vieux Lille is the original 12th-century building of the Hospice Comtesse. With some reconstruction works during 18th century it was a functioning hospital until the end of the World War II. Its delightful garden is a real oasis of beautiful greenery with colorful poppy flowers and verbena, a perfect place to relax during your sightseeing tour. Other interesting sights in the area include the old ward often hosting concert and the chapel.

The French national hero Charles de Gaulle was born in Vieux Lille. Hir birth house, converted into a museum, is situated on rue Princesse. The exhibition includes the bullet-riddled limousine Citroen, which de Gaulle was driving in 1962 when OAS made unsuccessful attempt to assassinate him.

Another must-see monument in the Old Town of Lille is the military citadel - Citadelle, built in 17th century and still possessed by the military government. You can visit it on Sunday during the period from May to August and only with a guided tour. A scenic view over Vieux Lille reveals from the citadel.

Although the pomp and splendor of the secular architecture somehow throw a shade over the ecclesiastical buildings of the city, the magnificent Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille is a wonderful exception. It was commenced in 1854 and performed in the attractive Neo-Gothic architectural style, though its façade was completed in 1999 and is different from the older body of the church. It was made of translucent marble, hold by steel wires. Its beauty can be most appreciated during night when the façade is lit up from within. Older and more traditional is the exquisite church of St-Maurice. It is situated just off the place de la Gare, close to the central railway station. Consisting of five aisles, this church is a typical example of the red-brick Flemish Hallekerke.

South from Grand'Place is situated Place Rihour, a lively and modern square with many brasseries and a beautiful old palace, housing today the tourist office of the city. It can be found hidden behind a not very attractive war monument with a huge size. Heading on the elegant shopping street rue de Bethune, you will reach the pleasant cafes of place de Bethune and passing them - the place de la Republique where can be found the Musee des Beaux-Arts. The museum features a very rich collection of Flemish painters, including canvases by Dirck Bouts, da Hooch, Goya, Renoir, Monet and Rodin.

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