Since it carries the name Bourse it suggests that this used to the the former stock exchange,…read morethough considering that were are now in France I would have thought that the Stock Exchange would have been located in Paris. However, what this place actually is is a market place, and when we wandered through here on Sunday discovered that all of the regional booksellers had descended upon the town to begin selling their wares. Basically you could find quite a number of second-hand French books as well as numerous posters and other things (such as records). There are also a number of shops around the outside that are basically regular shops, but if you are looking for a bargain then definitely step inside and have a bit of a look around.

A brilliant building to check out in the middle of Lille. Inside there is also a book market and…read moresome art works sold which is quite a wonderful use of space in the Old Stock Exchange!

I probably should mention a couple of things about this place - this is actually still used by the…read moreFrench military, and while you can go on tours you actually have to book at least two weeks in advance. Unfortunately I didn't so all we got to see what the outside. Anyway, this place is referred to as 'The Queen of Citadels', namely because it was designed to basically be impregnable. However, since I didn't get to go inside I can't really say all that much about it, other than it is actually a pretty old citadel, but it is still being used.

Very cool considering the history. Hundreds died defending this structure in the 18th century. The…read moreinside consists of a large parade square surrounded by a combination of very old structures and newer post war buildings done in period style. Being a military establishment is a double edged sword for its preservation. Good in the sense it has not been exploited or ruined for repurposing, bad in the sense that non-useful structures are left to deteriorate. I am not sure how one goes about getting in, but have heard there may be deliberate tours and possibly a once a year heritage day where the doors are open.