Vieille bourse de Lille

The Vieille Bourse of Lille, located on the Rue des 3 Couronnes in the city of Lille, is an authentic 17th-century building that was once the home of Lille’s merchants and stockbrokers. While it ceased functioning as a stock exchange in the 19th century, it remains an iconic landmark of the city today, with its unique and ornate design: four large buildings that encircle an interior courtyard for visitors to explore. The magnificent stone and brass pediment that rises over the main entrance is believed to have been a gift from Louis XIV for the inauguration of the building in 1653. There are 279 ‘boxes’, or miniature shop display cases, known in French as chambres de commerce, which formerly acted as offices, now as shops. Today the Vieille Bourse is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, where you’ll find plenty of bookstores and craftsmen selling jewelry, keys, and antiques. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful arcade galleries and courtyards, as they offer an excellent insight into Lille’s cultural past.