Discover the citadel park in Lille

The Citadelle Park in Lille offers a wide range of activities over its 110 hectares, which include a wood with sports facilities, the Citadelle built by Louis XIV’s famous architect, Vauban, a zoo, an amusement park and a tree climbing course. As you can see, the Citadelle Park in Lille promises a fun day out with family and friends. Discover the treasures of the citadel with the help of our little guide!

What are the origins of the Citadelle of Lille?

Lille’s citadel is one of the city’s flagship monuments. Built between 1667 and 1673 by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, this fortification is based on military architecture. This criterion makes perfect sense when you consider that the city of Lille, until then under siege by the Flemish, had just been liberated. The King of France, Louis XIV, asked his best engineer to draw up plans for the future citadel, and the latter, as usual, did not disappoint him. A true military strategist, Vauban chose a site between the marsh and the town centre. A marshy area close to a river, which would prove to be a trap from which it was difficult to escape. And with good reason: a system of sluices allowed the surrounding land to be flooded in a dazzling 50cm high flood. Knowing that the enemy moved on foot or on horseback, it was difficult to make any headway or attempt anything in 50 cm of mud!

Behind the 2 km long ramparts, Vauban built a military town capable of housing up to 3,000 soldiers. In fact, he nicknamed it “the queen of citadels”. A veritable city within a city, with its own bakery. As for the main gateway to the city of Lille, Vauban designed it as a triumphal arch in honour of Louis XIV and his great power. There was also an emergency gate that opened onto the countryside. Military life was organised around the parade ground, and the pentagon shape allowed the besieged to easily control the entire perimeter of the enclosure.

The ramparts are made of red brick and thick granite, a material that is more resistant to catapult fire. Trees were planted to supply the citadel’s wood needs, and the foliage concealed the building and prevented pre-emptive attacks… Everything was perfectly thought out.

What can you do at the Citadelle of Lille?

Whether you’re coming with family or friends, there’s plenty to do at the Citadelle of Lille. Whether you’re looking for architecture, history, sporting activities or animal discovery, there’s something for everyone!

1 – Visit Lille Zoo

Lille Zoo covers 3.5 hectares. Created in 1950, it initially housed domestic animals and wild game, before diversifying in 1960 to include an aviary and a tropical house.

Today, 110 species from all over the world can be seen at Lille Zoo, representing around 500 animals on the entire site. It is the^4th most visited zoo in France.

The worlds of Lille Zoo

There are 6 universes in all:

Under the tropics

South American birds, prairie dogs.

Around the world

Red panda, macaw, owl, African aviary, hocco, conure, agouti, red coati, Bali starling, Indian porcupine, Australian enclosure, meerkat, fennec/dwarf mongoose, saki/agami, Pallas cat, Asian aviary, Greek tortoise, lemur.

Exotic travel

Kinkajou, South-East Asian enclosure, labiate tamarin, sloth/tatoo, bull snake and Asian snake, boas, giant tortoise/iguana, ash otter/binturong.

From island to island

Arctic fox, royal crane, white-handed gibbon, white pelican, siamang, capuchin monkey, Magellanic geese.

African lands

White rhinoceros, Numidian guinea fowl.

South American excursion

Maned wolf, ground tapir.

Activities are offered by the educational team according to the age of the participants (from 3 to 18 years), providing an opportunity to discover the biodiversity of the animals and the missions to which the zoo is committed. Prices range from €3 to €20, depending on age and type of activity.

One trail is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

2 – Cita Parc

Here’s the perfect place to have fun, suitable for children and adults alike, with a wide choice of attractions, nature and animal discovery, and a place to eat (restaurant, brasserie or free picnic). Cita Parc is open on Wednesdays from 2pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am, and offers an unlimited day pass.

Details of the attractions available at Cita Parc in an 8,000 m2 area

For children

• The little forest train,
• The little sprouts garden with 3 different attractions.

Accessible to all

• The millipede takes you through the park’s alleys.
• The adventurer’s lair.

Other attractions accessible to children of a certain height, with or without an accompanying adult

• Tree climbing.
• The big slide.
• The enchanted tulips to whirl around in a colourful tulip.
• The Cocci’belles will take you on a journey above the Citadel.
• The magic tree at Cita Parc will give you the sensation of flying like a bird from branch to branch.
• In the little sailors’ corner, control your remote-controlled boat and make it sail in the middle of the waves.
• Les chutes de la Citadelle, hurtle down the Cita Parc waterfalls in a tree trunk.
• Requin express, get ready for some thrills on board this rollercoaster!
• At full gallop, the farm’s horses are just waiting for you to take them for a ride around the park.
• Mission Safari, discover the wild animals on board your pick-up truck.
• Turtle rally: who will win the race?
• The duck family: children will love following the mother duck and her young.
• Duck fishing, a great classic that’s always a hit with the little ones.

3 – The Bois de Boulogne or Parc de la Citadelle

Lille’s citadel is surrounded by 70 hectares of woodland. Many sports enthusiasts use it for running. A wellness trail provides visitors with muscle-strengthening and stretching equipment. You can also go for a walk or cycle, and the setting is particularly pleasant for strolling or doing sport in the forest and along the Deûle canal. A 5km signposted walking trail has been laid out around the citadel.

Another activity available in the park is tree climbing.

The park’s centuries-old trees, meadows and water features have allowed many species to thrive, including bats, birds (kingfishers, sparrow hawks, spotted woodpeckers, herons, etc.) and insects.

4 – The citadel of Lille

The citadel can be visited every 3rd Sunday of the month at 3 pm and 4.30 pm, subject to prior booking (at least 7 days before the visit) with the Lille Tourist Office. There is always a military presence in the citadel. You will be asked to show proof of identity at the entrance.

Your questions about the citadel of Lille

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Citadelle of Lille, to which we have provided some answers:

What shape is the Citadelle of Lille?

The Citadel of Lille is shaped like a pentagon, with 5 bastions framing the curtain walls. The bastions have been named: Anjou, the Queen, Turenne, the Dauphin and the King.

Where can I park near the Citadelle of Lille?

• The Lille Champs de Mars car park, next to the citadel, is open 24/7.
• The liberté car park.

These are pay car parks.

Who built the Citadelle of Lille?

King Louis XIV had the Citadel of Lille built according to the plans of the Marquis de Vauban between 1667 and 1670 in order to protect France from external invasions, particularly from Flanders and Spain. The Peace Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1668 put an end to the war of Spanish domination in Lille, which then became a French city following the siege led by Louis XIV’s troops that put an end to the Spanish occupation. Lille architect Simon Vollant also took part in the construction of the Lille citadel, based on Vauban’s plans.

In conclusion

The citadel of Lille, still in use, is in perfect condition. This military structure is truly remarkable when you consider that it only took 3 years to build with the resources available at the time. The queen of citadels lives up to its name.

This green lung is a haven of peace in the Lille metropolitan area. Whether you’re a fan of architecture, Vauban and his architectural prowess, history, animals, walking, leisure or sport, the Lille Citadel has it all. A must-see!