Old stock exchange

The Vieille Bourse of Lille

The Lille audio-guided tour has you cross the Vieille Bourse, considered one of the finest works of the city. Built in the seventeenth century for the union of merchants, it testifies to the commercial golden age of Lille.

The golden age of the Lille merchants

In the seventeenth century, Lille belonged to the Spanish Netherlands and prospered as a leading merchant city. The Vieille Bourse was built to bring together the merchants of the city. Its Flemish architecture, richly adorned with caryatids, garlands and mascarons, celebrates commerce: the god Mercury, symbol of exchange, sits in a place of honour, recalling the merchant vocation of the building.

What there is to see

The Vieille Bourse is in fact made up of twenty-four identical houses framing an inner courtyard, a true architectural jewel. This courtyard today hosts second-hand booksellers, chess players and sometimes tango balls, in an atmosphere full of charm. It is one of the absolute must-sees of Lille, to be discovered by passing through one of its doors.

Practical information

The Vieille Bourse is between the Grand-Place and Place du Théâtre, in the heart of Lille. The inner courtyard is freely accessible during opening hours; the booksellers and activities follow their own opening hours, generally during the day and except Mondays.

Why was the Vieille Bourse built?

In the seventeenth century, to bring together the merchants of Lille, then a prosperous city of the Spanish Netherlands; the god Mercury celebrates commerce there.

What can you find in the courtyard of the Vieille Bourse?

Second-hand booksellers, chess players and sometimes tango balls, in an inner courtyard framed by twenty-four houses.