Grand Place Tours and Activities

Lille’s main public square, the Grand Place—which also goes by the Place du Général de Gaulle—is a top gathering point in this northerly city. Grand Palace is ringed by many of the city’s historic buildings and attractions, including the Vieille Bourse, and located in Lille’s atmospheric Old Town (Vieux-Lille).

A major plaza and a popular meeting point, Lille’s historic Grand Place is also an architectural showcase. The Old Town square features buildings that span the centuries, from Flemish-style stepped-gable constructions from the 17th century to modern, 20th-century landmarks. The square is crowned by the Column of the Goddess, which commemorates the Siege of Lille in 1792. See the Grand Place on a host of tour itineraries, including walking, biking, and driving tours.

The Grand Place can be reached by numerous forms of public transit. The square is a quick trip from Lille’s two main train stations (the Gare de Lille Europe and the Gare de Lille Flandres) and is served by Lille’s Metro and numerous bus lines, including the Vieux-Lille Shuttle. It’s best explored on foot.

Lille’s Grand Place is a must-visit, whether drenched by sunlight or illuminated after dark. Many of the area’s landmarks operate according to typical business hours, so it’s best to explore earlier in the day to take full advantage of area attractions.

Many tours of Lille’s Old Town begin at the Grand Place—and there's little wonder why. The square is surrounded by several of the city’s top attractions, including the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange) and the Théâtre du Nord. Other nearby highlights range from the Opéra de Lille to the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral.