Créé par Romane, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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The Citadel Park of Lille offers multiple activities across its 110 hectares consisting of a wood with sports equipment, the Citadel built by the famous architect of Louis XIV: Vauban, a zoo, an amusement park and a tree-climbing course. As you can see, the Citadel Park of Lille promises a convivial day with family or friends. Discover the treasures of the citadel with the help of our little guide!
What are the origins of the Citadel of Lille?
The citadel of Lille is one of the city's landmark monuments. Built from 1667 to 1673 by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, this fortification is based on military architecture. This criterion makes perfect sense when we know that the city of Lille, previously besieged by the Flemish, had just been liberated. The King of France Louis XIV asked his best engineer to draw up the plans for the future citadel, and as usual, he did not disappoint him. As a true military strategist, Vauban chose a site located between the marsh and the city center. Marshy land near a river, which would prove to be a trap from which one could hardly escape. Indeed, a lock system allowed the surrounding land to be flooded lightning-fast to a height of 50 cm. Knowing that the enemy moved on foot or horseback, it was difficult to progress or attempt anything in 50 cm of mud!
Behind the 2 km long ramparts, Vauban had a military town built capable of accommodating up to 3,000 soldiers. He even nicknamed it "the queen of citadels". A real city within the city with its own bakery. As for the main gate that opens onto the city of Lille, Vauban designed it as a triumphal arch in honor of Louis XIV and his great power. There was also an emergency gate that opened onto the countryside. It was around the parade ground that military life was organized, the pentagonal shape gave the besieged the ability to easily control the entire perimeter of the enclosure.
The ramparts are made of red bricks and granite with great thickness, a material more resistant to catapult fire. Trees were planted to meet the wood needs within the citadel, moreover, the foliage concealed the building and prevented anticipated attacks... Everything was perfectly thought out.
What to do at the Citadel of Lille?
Whether you come with family or friends, there's plenty to do at the Citadel of Lille. Architecture, history, sports activities or animal discovery, there will be something for everyone!
1 – Visit the Lille Zoo
The Lille Zoo spans 3.5 hectares. Created in 1950, it first welcomed domestic fauna as well as wild game before diversifying from 1960 with an aviary and a tropical house.
Today, 110 species from around the world are visible at Lille Zoo, representing about 500 animals across the entire site. It's the 4th most visited zoo in France.
There are 6 universes in total:
South American birds, prairie dogs.
Red panda, macaws, owls, African aviary, curassow, conure, agouti, red coati, Bali starling, Indian porcupine, Australian enclosure, meerkat, fennec/dwarf mongoose, saki/agami, Pallas's cat, Asia aviary, Greek tortoise, lemur.
Kinkajou, Southeast Asia enclosure, golden-handed tamarin, sloth/armadillo, bull snake and Asian grass snake, boas, giant tortoise/iguana, Asian small-clawed otter/binturong.
Arctic fox, grey crowned crane, white-handed gibbon, white pelican, siamang, brown capuchin, Magellan goose.
White rhinoceros, helmeted guineafowl.
Maned wolf, lowland tapir.
Activities are offered by the educational team according to participants' age groups (from 3 to 18 years old), which allows discovery of animal biodiversity and the missions the zoo has committed to. Prices vary between €3 and €20 depending on age and type of activity.
A route is accessible for people with reduced mobility.
2 – The Cita Parc
Here's a perfect place to have fun suitable for both children and adults with: a wide choice of attractions, nature and animal discovery, as well as a space for dining (restaurant, brewery or free picnic). The Cita Parc is open on Wednesdays from 2 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am and offers an unlimited day pass.
- The little forest train,
- The little sprouts garden composed of 3 different attractions.
- The millipede takes you through the park's paths.
- The adventurers' den.
- Tree climbing.
- The big slide.
- The enchanted tulips to spin in a colorful tulip.
- The Cocci'belles will make you travel above the Citadel.
- The magic tree of Cita Parc will give you the sensation of flying like a bird from branch to branch.
- The little sailors' corner, control your remote-controlled boat and make it sail among the waves.
- The Citadel Falls, race down the Cita Parc falls aboard a tree trunk.
- Shark express, prepare for thrills aboard the cars of this roller coaster!
- Full gallop, the farm horses are waiting for you for a ride in the park.
- Safari mission, discover wild animals aboard your pick-up.
- Turtle rally, who will emerge victorious from the race?
- The duck family, children will love following the mother duck and her little ones.
- Duck fishing, a great classic that always works well with the little ones.
3 – The Bois de Boulogne or Citadel Park
70 hectares surround the Citadel of Lille. Many athletes use it for running. A wellness course provides visitors with muscle strengthening and stretching equipment. You can also walk, bike, the setting is particularly pleasant for strolling or exercising in the forest and along the Deûle canal. A 5 km marked hiking trail has been developed around the citadel.
Another possible activity in the park: the tree climbing course.
The development of century-old trees, meadows and water features has allowed many species to develop such as: bats, birds (kingfisher, sparrowhawk, lesser spotted woodpecker, heron...), or even insects.
4 – The Citadel of Lille
The citadel can be visited every 3rd Sunday of the month at 3 pm and 4:30 pm, only by reservation (at least 7 days before the visit) with the Lille Tourist Office. There is always a military presence in the citadel. An identity document will be requested at the entrance.
Your questions about the Citadel of Lille
Here are the most asked questions about the Citadel of Lille to which we provide some answers:
What shape does the Citadel of Lille have?
The Citadel of Lille has the shape of a pentagon consisting of 5 bastions that frame the curtain walls. The bastions were named: Anjou, la Reine, Turenne, le Dauphin and le Roi.
Where to park near the Citadel of Lille?
- The Lille Champs de Mars parking, next to the citadel, is open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
- The Liberté parking.
These are paid parking lots.
Who built the Citadel of Lille?
King Louis XIV had the Citadel of Lille built according to the plans of the Marquis de Vauban between 1667 and 1670 to protect France from external invasions, particularly Flemish and Spanish. The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1668 ended the war of Spanish domination in Lille, which then became a French city following the siege led by the troops of Louis XIV ending Spanish occupation. The Lille architect Simon Vollant also participated in the construction of the Citadel of Lille according to Vauban's plans.
Practical information
- Address: Avenue Mathias Delobel 59000 LILLE
- Tel: 03 28 36 13 50
Access:
Metro: line 1, République Beaux-Arts station. Then go up Boulevard de la Liberté.
Bus: Liane 1 or Liane 5, Champs de Mars stop
V'Lille: Jardin Vauban, Champ de Mars or Esplanade stations.
By A1 or A22: follow Lille Centre, then go up Boulevard de la Liberté.
By A25: Port Fluvial exit, then follow direction Vauban / Citadelle.
Parking: 2 paid parking lots are available (Champ de Mars-Liberté and Champ de Mars-Petit Paradis).
The GPS coordinates of the zoo are: latitude 50.64 – longitude 3.04.
In conclusion
The Citadel of Lille, still in activity, is in perfect condition. This military work is truly remarkable when you know it only took 3 years to build with the means of the time. The queen of citadels lives up to its name.
This green lung is a haven of peace in the Lille metropolis. Whether you're passionate about architecture, Vauban and his architectural prowess, history, animals, walks, leisure or sports, everything is gathered within the Citadel of Lille itself. A place to visit absolutely!