Préfecture de Lille (Lille Prefecture), Lille

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Préfecture de Lille (Lille Prefecture), Lille

Préfecture de Lille (Lille Prefecture), Lille

The Lille Prefecture (Préfecture de Lille) is a sprawling architectural site featuring a main building complete with a ceremonial courtyard and adjoining park, alongside two additional wings. At the forefront of the main structure, constructed from hard limestone, stands an elegant fountain. The design follows a Classical style, enriched with numerous allegorical figures adorning the pediments.

This architectural ensemble was developed over the years from 1865 to 1905. The design was spearheaded by Charles Marteau, a notable local architect. The sculpted pediments were crafted by Félix Huidiez, while the garden behind the buildings, which was added in 1874 and is surrounded by a tall brick wall with stone accents, was designed by Georges Aumont, a landscape architect responsible for numerous parks in Lille and Roubaix. In 1905, Léonce Hainez, a regional architect, made additional changes and improvements.

Situated on land that once housed city fortifications (removed in 1865), the site now overlooks the Palace of Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux-Arts), constructed twenty years later. It serves as a critical link between the historic Old Town of Lille and newer areas incorporated in 1858.

The layout of the premises is based on an "H plan," designed to accommodate a variety of functions including the Prefect's residence, office spaces, and rooms for hosting distinguished visitors. The facility also includes areas for various administrative services, a secretariat, and a celebration hall. The interiors are decorated with numerous artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and murals.

Since 1975, the Prefecture building has been recognized as a historical monument.

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.

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Préfecture de Lille (Lille Prefecture) on Map

Sight Name: Préfecture de Lille (Lille Prefecture)
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

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

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
Lille's Historical Buildings Tour

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