Vieux Lille

Vieux Lille is the restored historic heart of the northern French city, distinguished by its Flemish-influenced brick and stone architecture. Rows of tall gabled houses in warm red brick and pale sandstone line streets such as Rue de la Monnaie, reflecting Lille's long ties to Flanders. The Vieille Bourse, a former merchants' exchange built around an inner courtyard, anchors the district. Once run-down, the quarter was carefully rehabilitated and now mixes independent shops, estaminets serving regional dishes, and quiet cobbled lanes.