Welcome to La Citadelle de Lille, France
Getting to La Citadelle de Lille
La Citadelle de Lille, also known as the Queen of the citadels, is a historic fortress in the city of Lille, in the Nord department of France. Whether you are arriving by train, car, or plane, getting to this iconic destination is straightforward.
By Train
Arriving by train is a convenient option. Lille has two major train stations: Lille Flandres and Lille Europe. Both stations are well connected to many French and international cities.
- Lille Flandres Station - This station is primarily for regional trains. To reach the Citadelle, you can take a short walk or use the local bus service.
- Lille Europe Station - This station serves high-speed TGV and Eurostar trains. It's located just a few minutes away from Lille Flandres. Upon arrival, you can opt for a leisurely walk, take a bus, or hire a bicycle to get to the Citadelle.
By Car
If you are travelling by car:
- La Citadelle is situated in the northern part of Lille's city centre, and the area is well signposted.
- You can use GPS navigation and input the following address: Avenue du 43e RĂ©giment d'Infanterie, 59000 Lille, France.
- Parking is available nearby, although it can be limited during peak times and events.
By Plane
If you're flying into Lille:
- The nearest airport is Lille Airport (LIL), located in Lesquin. From the airport, you can take a shuttle to the city centre or a taxi directly to the Citadelle.
- Alternatively, the Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris offers more international flights and is connected to Lille via high-speed train. The train journey from CDG to Lille takes about an hour.
Public Transport within Lille
You can also use public transport to reach the Citadelle.
- Bus: Various Lille bus lines will drop you close to the Citadelle. The main lines to look for are number 10, 14, and 50.
- Bike: The city of Lille has a bike-sharing system called V'Lille. Stations are located throughout the city and are a pleasant way to reach the Citadelle while taking in the sights.
- On Foot: The Citadelle is approximately a 20-30 minute walk from the city center, depending on your starting point. Walking gives you the opportunity to see more of Lille's historic architecture and vibrant street life.
For more detailed travel advice or schedules, it's recommended to visit the official Lille transportation website or contact the local tourist information office.
Visiting La Citadelle de Lille
Once you arrive, La Citadelle de Lille offers plenty of attractions, including beautiful walks in its surrounding park, guided tours of the fortress, and cultural events throughout the year. Remember to check opening times and book any guided tours in advance if required.