Vielle Bourse, Lille

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The building of the old stock exchange is one of the most beautiful in Lille. It was built in the middle of the 17th century when Lille was still part of the Spanish Netherlands. The architectural style du jour at that time was the Flemish Renaissance.
These days you find a used books market inside the court yard.
On the walls you have commemorative plates dedicated to famous citizens of Lille.

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La Vieille Bourse

Without protests the monument the most known city, to leaves maybe the belfry.

Constructs by the architect J. Destrée in 1652 for the city merchants (envies Flemish cities Ypres Ghent, Antwerp or Amsterdam?) One did here of the trade up to 1920.

In 1989 one starts a restoration that will last not less than 8 years.

The square is formed by 24 houses to the richly decorated facades of mythological and other motives in relief.

The course surround by arcades to the exuberant decoration, the marble plates to the walls represent a homage to the inventors, scholars, ... Some symbols recall what occupied them. Fascinating!

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Sans conteste le monument le plus connu de la ville , à part peut-être le beffroi.

Construit par l'architecte J. Destrée en 1652 pour les commerçants de la ville ( jalous des villes Flamandes Ypres Gand, Anvers ou Amsterdam ?) On fit ici du négoce jusqu'en 1920.

En 1989 on entame une restauration qui durera pas moins de 8 années.

Le carré est formé par 24 maisons aux façades richement décorées de motifs mythologiques et autres en relief.

La cour entourée d'arcades à la décoration exubérante, les plaques de marbres aux murs représentent un hommage aux inventeurs, savants,... Quelques symboles rappellent ce qui les occupait . Fascinant !

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Dating from about 1652, The Vielle Bourse (Old Stock Exchange) is one of the highlights of Flemish Architecture in the Place du General de Gaulle. It has an inner courtyard which you can walk in and explore. There was a second market book market taking place inside.

Vielle Bourse, meaing Old Stock Exchange was build in 1652 and is one of the most impressive buildings in Lille.
Note the intricate details in the facade of the building, its really gorgeous.
The building is known to be made of of 24 small houses featuring an interior courtyard.

Old Bourse is now a flea market for books, you can really find some rarities here.

One of the things that I saw only recently, was a motto in the courtyard, Au Genie Inventif, or inventive genius...

The Vieille Bourse is the oldest and most beautiful building in Lille, built in 1652. Vieille Bourse means Old Stock Exchange. Notice the beautiful façade, typical Flemish baroque. Above the entrance gate you can find the symbol of Lille, "Fleur de Lys", next to the Flemish lion and the crown of the city.
Nowadays, you will find second-hand booksellers, florists and even chess players in this building.
You can walk from the Grand Place through the Vieille Bourse to the Place du Théâtre.

This has got to be one of the loveliest buildings in Lille retaining the spendour of Flemish 17th century elegance.
When we visited there were many book stalls in the central courtyard and it was a very peaceful place to be. The building was so colourful too.

Vielle Bourse is one of the most spectacular buildings in Lille.

It is located in Place du General de Gaulle, and has been restored to its original Flemish Renaissance beauty.

It is actually made up of 24 individual houses, which surround a cloistered courtyard. Each house is slightly different due to interesting and ornate mouldings on the outer walls.

At certain times of the week the courtyard is open to the public. When we were there on a Sunday, there was a book market, with plenty of locals browsing for a hidden treasure.

La Vieille Bourse ( the old Stock Exchange) was built in the 17th century and is a great example of the Flemish Renaissance Style. The building is divided into 24 small commercial houses around a courtyard. You can have a look at the booksellors in the courtyard every afternoon. ( see shopping tip)

La vieille bourse - the old stock exchange great place to trace and buy ancient books specially during la Braderie.