Book a private shuttle Charles de Gaulle Airport to Lille

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History of Lille

Lille entered the history of France in the eleventh century, thanks to the charter of the Count of Flanders, Baudouin, in 1066. At that time, the city was named "Isla", which comes from the Latin word "insula" meaning island. Indeed, Lille was born from the water of Deûle, a secondary river with modest flow, but located on a major transportation route, between the major Flemish cities and the fairs of Champagne. The city initially developed at a point where the Deûle required the unloading of boats until a more navigable section of the river was reached. Originally, it was the capital of the Burgundy territories and was annexed to the Kingdom of France during the reign of Louis XIV.

In the 1590s, Lille experienced what is known as the "Golden Age". During this time, a large number of convents were established, and the city underwent two successive expansions, from 1605 to 1606 and from 1618 to 1621. In 1652, Julien Destrée, the city's master builder, designed the stock market, now called the Old Stock Exchange. The city also reflects the influence of French art that developed after its conquest by Louis XIV in 1667.

By the mid-nineteenth century, the city was stifled within two-century-old ramparts that were ill-suited to the development of the major textile industry. In 1858, Napoleon III decided to annex the bordering communes and extend the city's enclosure.

During the First and Second World Wars, Lille suffered significant damage and endured multiple particularly painful ordeals. The 30 glorious years were a period of deindustrialization and conversion to tertiary activities. The historical heritage, which had been neglected until the 1960s, was highlighted at the end of the last century.

In 1970, Lille felt the impact of the industrial crisis. Several sectors of activity were affected, including textiles. The unemployment rate rose from 3% in 1975 to 13% in 1990. Lille began a period of conversion based on the development of the tertiary sector.

Book a car service in Paris in advance if you want to trace the history of this mythical city with friends or family.

Lille nowadays

Lille ranks among the most populous cities in the greater Hauts-de-France region. As of 2018, Lille's population was 239,553 inhabitants, and according to studies by INSEE, the number of inhabitants was projected to be 240,967 in 2019. The former city of factories and workshops has transformed into a city of offices and services, reclaiming its medieval role as a commercial hub.

In addition, the Lille-Paris high-speed train connection, the emergence of new districts like Euralille, and the arrival of Eurostar have ushered the city into the third millennium. Lille provides a blend of tradition and modernity. It is renowned for its restored historical facades and an array of state-of-the-art facilities, including Euratechnologies.

Today, Lille is the fourth-largest metropolis in France, an international crossroads, and a dynamic economic hub. It is also classified as a "tourist resort" and a "City of Art and History", and was designated the European Capital of Culture in 2004. The city has become a premier tourist destination, known for its hospitable living environment, preserved heritage, and vibrant cultural life.

Regarding Lille's economy, the real estate rental and leasing sector primarily drives it, representing 23% of the companies found there. This is followed by the association management sector, creative arts and entertainment activities, and restaurant and mobile food services. However, the medical and dental practice sector represents only a small portion of Lille's companies, constituting just 3.6%.

As for the companies that employ the most people, there are "TLC" or "Local Freight Road Transport", "Thermimesure" devoted to intermediaries trading in various products, "Square Root" which is associated with retail sale of flowers, plants, seeds, fertilizers, pets and food for these animals in specialized stores, and "The Voice of the North", a newspaper edition of Lille.. To book one of our pick-ups for your business trips to Lille or the surrounding area, do not hesitate to contact us.

What to visit in Lille ?

The "LaM" is a must-visit museum in Lille. Nestled in the heart of a verdant sculpture park, it exhibits over 4,500 masterpieces from the 20th and 21st centuries, in addition to numerous temporary exhibitions. A tour through LaM provides a journey from modern to contemporary art via the largest collection of art brut in France. Works by prominent artists such as Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Paul Klee, Aloïse Corbaz, Augustin Lesage, Richard Deacon, and Barry Flanagan are on display.

Additionally, the "Citadel of Lille" is a worthwhile detour during a stay in Lille. It is the work of Sebastien Leprestre, Marquis de Vauban. Constructed by order of Louis XIV, who conquered the city, its construction spanned three years from 1667 to 1670. Originally, it was a small town encircled by five bastions, forming a star in a convoluted 2,200 meters.

Moreover, the "Palace of Fine Arts Lille" is another site worth visiting. This museum is among the richest in France and is housed in a building dating back to the 19th century. Here, it's possible to explore prestigious collections of 19th-century European and French paintings, 19th-century sculptures, and 17th and 18th-century ceramics.

Don't miss the City Hall and its belfry, which was built by architect Emile Dubuisson. He drew inspiration from Flemish tradition. It has a tower of 107 meters. Among the most splendid frescoes, one stands out - that by Icelandic artist Erró.

Lastly, a visit to the "Lille Zoo" is essential during a stay in Lille. Situated at the heart of the Citadel, this zoo is a popular spot for walks, particularly for families. In 2016, the City Council approved an entry fee for non-Lille residents. More than 350 animals from around a hundred different species inhabit the seven thematic zones spread over the 3 hectares of the park. The famous red panda greets visitors at the entrance, who can then walk amongst llamas, rhinos, zebras, tapirs, and more.

Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille

Established in 1792, the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille gives you the opportunity to explore the largest museum of fine arts outside of Paris. This distinction aptly represents the symbolic importance of this museum for art and culture enthusiasts in France. The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille houses a rich collection of French and Flemish paintings. With its advanced and comprehensive collections, this museum appeals to art lovers, capable of surprising even the most discerning connoisseurs.

A Must-Visit

The Palais des Beaux-Arts is one of the premier French museums, given its incredible wealth of artworks. It houses a magnificent collection that has gained international recognition. The museum's collection is spread over three distinct levels, spanning from the basement to the first floor. Additionally, the museum boasts a stunning archaeological collection comprised of Egyptian and Greco-Roman pieces. Visitors can also admire 17th-century reliefs and a collection of antique ceramics from the 16th to the 19th century.

Discover the Collections at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille

To enhance your stay in Lille, a visit to the Palais des Beaux-Arts should be part of your itinerary to fully appreciate the city's wonders. This highly symbolic museum possesses enough features to impress you. Firstly, it enjoys convenient accessibility due to its location in the city center, situated at 18 bis rue de Valmy, near a central square, in Lille. The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille spans an area of 22,000 m2, including 12,000 m2 of exhibition space. The museum is steeped in a fabulous history that further enriches the city's cultural heritage. According to official data, the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille houses more than 72,430 works, providing a true feast for the eyes for those fortunate enough to visit. This legendary place exhibits major works by famous artists such as Courbet, Puvis de Chavannes, Delacroix, Goya, and David

Take a tour of the famous Le Vieux Lille district

Lille is also an excellent destination to rediscover this summer. The city offers several attractions and sights. One such place, for instance, is the district of Le Vieux Lille.

Immerse Yourself in the History of Old Lille

Lille is divided into 12 distinct areas, including Le Vieux Lille. This part of the region retains the highest concentration of old buildings, hence its name. This district is located in the north of the metropolis. Rue de la Clef, Place des Patiniers, Rue de Gand, and many more - a stroll through Old Lille is a genuine immersion in the culture and history of the region and of France. In addition to the beautiful facades, you can appreciate historical sites such as the Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral and the location of the old port of Lille, which, despite its disappearance, remains a significant part of history. Within the 1.85 km2 area of Le Vieux Lille, you have several tourist attractions that are sure to captivate lovers of history and culture.

Exploring the Old Lille District

To truly appreciate the various attractions and tourist sites of Old Lille, there's nothing quite like exploring on foot. This approach allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the neighborhood. Alternatively, consider cycling, which will give you easy access to all the streets. Furthermore, Lille now boasts several dedicated cycling areas.

Pick up in Charles de Gaulle Airport to Lille

Lille is one of the most welcoming cities of France. It is 87.3 km from Maubeuge Zoo and just 3 km from Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse. It takes 195.8 km to reach CDG Airport and 234.1 km to get to Orly Airport from Lille.

Transfer CDG Airport - Lille

Private car and van transfer to/from CDG Airport to Lille

Book a shuttle transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Lille