Gare de Lille Flandres (Lille-Flandres Railway Station), Lille
Lille-Flandres Railway Station (Gare de Lille Flandres) is the primary railway station in Lille, renowned for its significant historical and architectural value. The station's building, showcasing a Neoclassical design, was conceived by architects Léonce Reynaud and Sidney Dunnett, affiliated with the Chemins de fer du Nord (Northern Railway Company). A unique aspect of its construction is the front façade, which was originally part of Paris’s Gare du Nord. This façade was meticulously dismantled and reassembled at Lille, imbuing the station with a Parisian architectural heritage.
The origins of the station date back to 1848 when it was inaugurated with just a ground floor. It was later expanded in 1867 to include an additional floor and a striking pediment featuring a large clock. This addition was timed to align with the creation of the Place de la Gare, enhancing the station's prominence and its surroundings.
Subsequent years saw further enhancements to the station's infrastructure. In 1880, renovations included the replacement of the old roof over the waiting lounge. The heating system was expanded, and in 1883, the waiting hall underwent a complete redecoration. By 1887, the Hôtel des Voyageurs was integrated into the station's complex, followed by the addition of a new rooftop in 1892.
Today, Lille-Flandres holds the distinction of being the busiest TER (regional train) station in France outside of Paris and is second only to Lyon-Part-Dieu station in terms of provincial attendance. The name "Flandres" was appended in 1993, coinciding with the opening of the nearby Lille-Europe station, situated on the high-speed LGV Nord line, to help distinguish it from its modern counterpart. This station not only serves as a crucial transport hub but also as a historical landmark reflecting the rich railway heritage of northern France.
The origins of the station date back to 1848 when it was inaugurated with just a ground floor. It was later expanded in 1867 to include an additional floor and a striking pediment featuring a large clock. This addition was timed to align with the creation of the Place de la Gare, enhancing the station's prominence and its surroundings.
Subsequent years saw further enhancements to the station's infrastructure. In 1880, renovations included the replacement of the old roof over the waiting lounge. The heating system was expanded, and in 1883, the waiting hall underwent a complete redecoration. By 1887, the Hôtel des Voyageurs was integrated into the station's complex, followed by the addition of a new rooftop in 1892.
Today, Lille-Flandres holds the distinction of being the busiest TER (regional train) station in France outside of Paris and is second only to Lyon-Part-Dieu station in terms of provincial attendance. The name "Flandres" was appended in 1993, coinciding with the opening of the nearby Lille-Europe station, situated on the high-speed LGV Nord line, to help distinguish it from its modern counterpart. This station not only serves as a crucial transport hub but also as a historical landmark reflecting the rich railway heritage of northern France.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lille. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Gare de Lille Flandres (Lille-Flandres Railway Station) on Map
Sight Name: Gare de Lille Flandres (Lille-Flandres Railway Station)
Sight Location: Lille, France (See walking tours in Lille)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lille, France (See walking tours in Lille)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lille, France
Create Your Own Walk in Lille
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lille is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lille Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed in France the "Capital of Flanders", Lille and its surroundings belong to the historical region of Romance Flanders. Legend has it that in 620 AD, Salvaert, Prince of Dijon, passed through the region with his pregnant wife when he was attacked and killed by the local lord Phinaert The Giant. Years later, his son Lyderic avenged his father by killing the Giant and founded the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Lille's Historical Buildings Tour
Historically, Lille's architecture differs from that of other French cities. Prior to being invaded by Louis XIV in 1667, Lille was Flemish, which is evident in its red-brick and other structures, quite uncommon for the rest of France.
Among many things, Lille is reputed for its fabulous historic center, abounding in time-honored buildings, palaces, and churches, offering a great deal of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Among many things, Lille is reputed for its fabulous historic center, abounding in time-honored buildings, palaces, and churches, offering a great deal of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles