Right in the heart of town, the Parc de la Citadelle is a must-see in any visit to Lille. Covering 110 hectares, it is the largest expanse of green space in the “Capital of Flanders”.
It’s also an iconic historical landmark, boasting a citadel dating back to the 17th century. Built on the orders of Vauban, King Louis XIV’s famous military engineer, the citadel was designed to guard the town from potential attacks. The building still serves its military purpose to this day.
The Citadel is a popular spot for locals, not least on Sunday afternoons. You’ll come across many people strolling, engaging in sports, studying and even artists who are drawn to this beautiful setting.
The Citadel of Lille: Combining History and Nature
This article explains everything the Citadel of Lille has to offer for your next visit.
A sports lover’s paradise
Parc de la Citadelle is Lille’s very own green lung! The perfect place to share a picnic with family or friends, read a book, relax or just stroll around and, of course, get some exercise.
The 110-hectare park is divided into 4 separate areas:
- The Bois de Boulogne
- Lille Zoo
- The Citadel
- Cita-Parc
Surrounding the citadel is the Bois de Boulogne, a 60-hectare woodland expanse. It’s a meeting place for fitness buffs, especially joggers. You can also take part in other sports including volleyball, slackline, skateboarding, etc.
A fitness trail offers muscle-strengthening and stretching equipment. The site also features several themed trails, of varying lengths and for all levels. In addition to these walking trails, you can download orienteering trails from the website.
Accro Lille also offers treetop adventure courses for kids and adults from April onwards.
The Deûle canal also runs through this area. The Canal is home to a wide range of water sports, including rowing, paddle boarding and a trip on one of our licence-free boats. You can book your licence-free electric boat directly on the “Freshwater Sailors” website.
Admire the wildlife
Lille Zoo boasts close to 500 animals of 70 different species, as well as a tropical house featuring a plethora of plant species. One of its main attractions is the presence of baby red pandas.
The zoo also hosts a wide range of entertaining and educational activities. Visitors learn about the importance of protecting endangered animal species and biodiversity.
Admission is €6 for adults and €3 for children aged 5 to 17. Allow at least 2 hours for your visit.
Enter the Historical Citadel Monument
Dubbed by Vauban as the “Queen of Citadels”, it lies enclosed within a 2 km-long wall. Since 2005, the building has served as HQ for the Corps de Réaction Rapide France, a NATO-certified French command and control centre. When viewed from the air, the whole complex forms a five-pointed star. Each branch of this star has its own bastion flanked by deep moats. As you walk around the Promenade des Remparts, you’ll discover what the city’s defence system looked like.
The Citadel’s central section is generally closed to the public as it remains in military use. However, it does open its doors for guided tours organised by Lille Tourist Office at certain times of the year.
Spend some family time at Cita Parc
This park is sure to be a family favourite! It features attractions for children based on animals and nature. You’ll find swings, slides, miniature cars, miniature trains, etc.
A section with play areas is freely accessible 7 days a week. You can also enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants and brasseries or bring your own picnic.
Cita Parc opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. During the school holidays, it stays open every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Single tickets cost €2.50, and there’s a Day Pass for €15 that gives unlimited access to all the attractions.
Have fun at Lille Fair
Speaking of fairground rides, the Parc de la Citadelle hosts the famous Foire de Lille twice a year. An eagerly-awaited event for the people of Lille, every September and in spring it boasts more than 150 attractions.
Ranging from activities for the very young to thrilling rides, there’s something for all ages and tastes!
Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Pont Napoléon, France’s only covered pedestrian bridge. It was built in 1809, then destroyed twice by the Germans in 1918 and 1940, before being reconstructed in virtually identical condition in 2014.
A gourmet break aboard a barge
There are several restaurant barges moored along the river Deûle, where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat. A unique and unusual setting for sampling traditional regional specialities!
Make your way to the Archimède, with its chic, industrial decor, or to the Bus Magique, a friendly association-run restaurant.
The Citadel of Lille and its surrounding area is perfect for escaping the hectic pace of the city and enjoying some much-needed tranquillity. It attracts sports enthusiasts, history buffs and nature lovers alike! The ideal place in Lille to relax, unwind and spend time alone, with your loved one, family or friends.
To find out more about Lille, check out our articles on the city’s best restaurants and the 6 must-sees for visitors.
