At the northwestern end of bd de la Liberté, this massive star-shaped fortress was designed by renowned 17th-century French military architect Vauban after France captured Lille in 1667. Made of some 60 million bricks, it still functions as a French and NATO military base. Guided tours are available on Sundays in summer – contact the tourist office. This is the only way to see the inside of the Citadelle.
Outside the 2.2km-long ramparts is the city centre’s largest park , where children will love the amusement park, playground and small municipal zoo.
