Grand Place: reviews and practical tips

Visiting the Grand Place in Lille

In Lille, located in the Nord department, you will find a massive market square dating back to the 14th century. Known officially as the place du Général de Gaulle, the Grand Place, as locals call it, remains one of the most iconic spots in the city.

History

During the Middle Ages, the current site was a marsh created by the Deûle river. It was in 1271, following drainage projects, that the land was finally dried out. By 1350, a layer of limestone was laid down and compacted, making the area usable and permanently establishing it as a marketplace. At the time, it was an informal market, with canvas awnings set up in a disorganized fashion across the square.

The square quickly became a hub of activity. It served as a site for celebrations and hosted annual equestrian jousts. It was also the location where prisoners were placed in stocks and exposed to the public, cementing its role as the center of local life.

The space hosted grain, poultry, fish, salt, fabric, horse, and pottery markets. Most of the city trade took place either on the square itself or in the adjacent streets.

In September 1944, the square was officially renamed place du Général de Gaulle.

In 1989, when the city excavated the area to build an underground parking garage, the square became partially pedestrianized. It reclaimed its status as a social hub, now lined with numerous outdoor café terraces.

The Grand Place

Several notable buildings surround the square, ranging from the oldest, the 17th-century Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange), to the La Voix du Nord building, which was constructed in 1936 in a Neo-Flemish style.

There is no shortage of shops, from shopping arcades to restaurants, cafés, perfumeries, and even the largest bookstore in France, providing plenty of reasons to wander and explore.