Old Town Lille

I have been taking a break from blogging as I had a few days in Lille, France and am now trying to catch up with Christmas preparations. I travelled with a group of friends hoping to visit some Christmas markets. We  go away every year just before Christmas. We were attracted to Lille as it only takes 70 minutes from London via Eurostar. 

This is the Grand Place, the centre of the town.

In the Grand Place is the Vieille Bourse, the old stock exchange built in 1653. Trading would take place in the courtyard accessed through the four arches, one on each side of the building.

This is where the trading took place. Nowadays you will find a number of book stalls here.

Restored in 1861, it is a wonderful decorative building.

                               

The Voice of the North newspaper office.

The frontage has 28 windows which represent the 28 different newspaper issues.

In the Place du Theatre is the highly decorative building of the Opera House with its sculptures of Apollo and the Muses.













Also in the square is The Chamber of Commerce and industry with its 76m belfry.

Cobbled streets of the Old Town




Notre Dame de la Treille Cathedral.

 The doors were created by sculptor and holocaust survivor George Jeanclos, representing a barbed wire vine of human suffering and dignity.







                               


                                 View of the doors from inside the church.               

  The modern rose window

This 13th century hospital is now a museum showing life in Lille during 15th - 17th century. It was founded in 1237 as a hospital and hospice for the needy.

                                                                 The chapel.

The box gardens outside the Museum.

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