Citadelle de Lille: The Queen of Citadels
Explore Lille's star-shaped Citadelle, a 17th-century fortress & Vauban masterpiece, surrounded by a vibrant park.
The Citadelle de Lille, a star-shaped fortress designed by Vauban in the 17th century, stands as a testament to military engineering and French history. Surrounded by parkland, it offers a glimpse into the past and a green escape in the heart of Lille.
A brief summary to Citadelle de Lille
- Avenue du 43e régiment d'infanterie, Lille, 59800, FR
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check with the Lille Tourist Office for information on guided tours of the Citadelle's interior, as it's an active military site with limited access.
- Enjoy a walk or bike ride around the perimeter of the Citadelle in the Parc de la Citadelle, Lille's largest green space.
- Visit the Lille Zoo or Cita-Parc, located within the Parc de la Citadelle, for family-friendly activities.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy in the Parc de la Citadelle, taking advantage of the scenic views of the fortress and surrounding nature.
Getting There
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Walking
From the city center (e.g., Place du Général-de-Gaulle), head northwest along Rue Nationale, then continue onto Avenue du Peuple Belge. Cross the Deûle canal and follow the signs for Parc de la Citadelle. The walk is approximately 20-30 minutes. No costs involved.
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Public Transport
From Lille Flandres or Lille Europe train stations, take bus line 1 or 5 and disembark at the 'Champ de Mars' stop. From there, it's a short walk to the Citadelle. A single ticket costs €1.80 and is valid for 1 hour.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Lille. A ride from the city center (e.g., train stations) to the Citadelle typically costs between €8-€12, depending on traffic and the specific service used.
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Car
From the A25 motorway, take the 'Port Fluvial' exit and follow signs for Vauban/Citadelle. Parking is available at two paid car parks nearby: Champ de Mars-Liberté and Champ de Mars-Petit Paradis. Parking rates are approximately €1.60 per hour, €4.40 for 3 hours, or €18.90 for 24 hours.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Monument Honneur Et Patrie
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Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church at Lille
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Square Foch
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Place des Archives
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Orchestre National de Lille
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Emilie and the cool kids
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Rue Esquermoise & Place du Général de Gaulle
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Office de Tourisme de Lille
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Ilôt Comtesse
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Place du Général de Gaulle, Lille, France
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Pl. du Général de Gaulle
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Pl. Louise de Bettignies
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Pl. du Théâtre
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La Vieille Bourse
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Unmissable attractions to see
Citadel of Lille
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Parc de la Citadelle
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Cita-Parc
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Zoo de Lille
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Puppet Theater "Le P'tit Jacques"
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Écluse de la Barre
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La mare
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Jardin Vauban
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Pont Napoléon
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Lille à ses Fusillés
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Monument Charles de Gaulle
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Bimus
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Vieux-Lille
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Maison natale Charles de Gaulle
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Old Lille Market
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Essential places to dine
Les Toquées by Benoit BERNARD
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Le Jardin du Cloître
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La Table
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Au Goût du Jour
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Bacio Divino
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Bloempot
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De Rode Koe
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Rouge Barre
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Quai 38
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Table N9uf - Restaurant Vieux Lille
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Estaminet Au Vieux De La Vieille
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Le Fossile Lille
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L'Arrière Pays
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Restaurant PURETÉ
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Zoo souvenir shop
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Mademoiselle Biloba - L'atelier cosmétique
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Solange, Marguerite Et Les Autres Concept Store Lille
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Chromosome A
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Cigoire - Boutique de cadeaux Lille
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SAINT JAMES LILLE
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Salty Days Concept Store
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HIGH Shop
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el MARKET
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Lille
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LESTHETE
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Lampe Berger Store
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen Lille Esquermoise
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Printemps
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Muse
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Kolor Bar
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L'Illustration
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Vintage bar
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Le Lobby
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Au Boudin Bar
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Little Havana
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Le Kremlin
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La Pirogue
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Le Braz
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Base Camp
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L'imprévu
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Temple's Bar
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Seven Bar
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Lanka Bar
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