Citadel of Lille, Military fortress in Lille, France
The Citadel of Lille is a pentagonal military fortress featuring imposing stone walls, moats, and bastions that shape the landscape. Its layout includes multiple courtyards and passageways that demonstrate how soldiers and supplies moved through this defensive structure.
Construction of the fortress took place from 1667 to 1670 following the acquisition of Lille by France. Architect Vauban designed it according to the latest defensive principles of that era.
The fortress displays French royal symbols carved in stone, such as fleur-de-lys, crowns, and suns throughout its walls. Walking through the gates and passages, visitors notice how these decorations emphasize the power and control that shaped this place.
Visitors can tour the fortress through arrangements with the Lille Tourist Office. Note that parts of the site remain active military installations and access may be limited to certain areas and times.
The fortress featured an ingenious water system that could flood surrounding land during emergencies as a defensive tactic. This sophisticated mechanism was rarely used but demonstrated advanced engineering thinking for its time.
Location: Lille
Inception: January 1, 1670
Architects: Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban
Address: avenue du 43e-Régiment-d'Infanterie
Phone: +33320495070
Website: https://parcdelacitadelle.lille.fr
GPS coordinates: 50.64111,3.04444
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
From converted industrial spaces to historical buildings, Lille offers numerous photography locations away from main tourist sites. The city features Art Nouveau architecture, Gothic monuments, cultural venues in former factories, and green spaces. Notable spots include the Art Deco swimming pool museum in Roubaix, the modern art museum LaM, and the Wazemmes market district.
Zoologic park de Lille
379 m
Jardin Vauban
591 m
Église Saint-André de Lille
800 m
Les Fusillés lillois
636 m
Pont Napoléon
600 m
Les chutes de la Citadelle
404 m
Esplanade du Champ-de-Mars
346 m
Cita-Parc
405 m
Ancien couvent des Minines
895 m
Couvent des Minimes de Lille
795 m
Les Poussins, Parc de la Citadelle
371 m
Porte de Dunkerque
565 m
Magasins généraux de Lille
836 m
Van der Cruisse de Waziers Mansion
830 m
Hôtel de Lamissart
827 m
Le P'tit Jacques
525 m
Hôtel du 52 façade de l'Esplanade
677 m
Square Daubenton
631 m
Hôtel Catel-Béghin
795 m
Hôtel Castiaux
642 m
Pulpit of Église Saint-André de Lille
800 m
Église Notre-Dame-de-Consolation de Lille
794 m
Monument au Pigeon Voyageur
523 m
Hôtel particulier, 25, rue du Lieutenant-Colpin
672 m
Wallaert Mansion
831 m
Les villes bastionnées des Pays-Bas du nord-ouest de l'Europe
359 m
Maison, 77 rue de la Barre
766 m
Parc des Pyramides
605 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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