No public access to the Citadel as this is now a military base. However the grounds are lovely to walk in and it also houses the zoo which is worth a visit
Masterpiece of Vauban. Can only be visited on reservation a few days a year, since the Citadel itself is now a military headquarter of the French army and NATO. Though even walking around the Citadel on the 'Voie des Combattants', gives a good impression of the genius Vauban was and the grandeur of this building.
Well worth walking around for an hour or so if the weather is nice.close to the free zoo.nearby is an outdoor cafe.also, a small children's park.
While it's nothing spectacular, La Citadelle de Lille is a nice, relaxing, and peaceful spot in the city to relax with a book or take a stroll. If it's a nice weekend, you can expect it to be full of families and couples of all ages.Best/Busiest Times: sunny weekendsTip: if you like jogging, so does 1/2 of Lille! Lace up your shoes & take a jog along the many paths. It's especially nice along the north end along the river. For a little extra work-out, there's a small outdoor gym at the northeast corner.If you have young children be sure to visit the small amusement park near the southwest corner adjacent to the zoo (it's now fall and I believe it's open only on weekends when children aren't in school). You can also get your snacks here at some small stalls and an outdoor restaurant.I don't know a lot of the history, but you can attend a guided tour in French (http://www.lilletourism.com/visite-guidee-la-reine-des-citadelles.html?origine_affinage=true&mid=1&action=result&origine_affinage=true#thaut). I'm confused as to why some reviewers review negatively that you can't enter the military area here. I don't know of many cities where the general public can just walk through a military area!The north end along the river has some nice open fields if you want to play frisbee, football, or have a pic-nic, either on the grass or the provided pic-nic tables.Tip: the most serene & secluded spot is the northeast corner just south of the river. There's a small secluded lake/pond with benches around it. Completely quiet, serene, and a great spot to relax. Enjoy.
Pooped over here to have a look around, but you can just look around the outside walls as it is closed to he public. If you go to the zoo, then this is nearby so worth just having a look.
When we visited last week there was a market in the middle of the citadel selling all sorts of nostalgia - old books, comics, pottery and the usual sprinkling of rubbish. A great atmosphere in old surroundings. Great fun!!
A lovely short walk around the citadel. Flat surface and if you can dodge the bikes ok you will enjoy the walk. The walls are very impressive but since it is a working army base you can't go inside. Worth a walk from the car park though.
It is huge. Unfortunately one cannot go inside as it is still a military base. You can walk around it.
Il ove to go for a run or a walk around the Citadel Vauban. you have space, the view is great.if you like sports you can practice their with outdoor gym.Perfect after a big drinking night.
Very Interesting - and also a very pleasant walk ....certainly not what you would expect to find in the middle of a city! Certainly worth the visit