The complex was built in a record time of only three years between 1652 and 1653.
It was designed by the architect Julien Destrée, a master of the Flemish Renaissance style.
The four wings of the building enclose a rectangular courtyard that was historically used for commercial transactions.
The bell tower crowning the building features a statue of Mercury, the god of commerce.
The courtyard is a permanent venue for an open-air second-hand book market.
Each of the 24 houses surrounding the courtyard is identical, reflecting the equal status of the merchants who funded the project.
The building was designated as a Monument Historique in 1921.
La Vieille Bourse is considered the finest example of Flemish Renaissance architecture in Lille. Completed in 1653, the structure consists of 24 identical houses surrounding an internal courtyard. It was commissioned by local merchants to compete with the trade markets of nearby Flanders cities. The facade features ornate carvings, caryatids, and the coat of arms of the city. Originally serving as the stock exchange, the central courtyard currently functions as a hub for second-hand book sellers, chess players, and card enthusiasts. The building stands on the Place du Général de Gaulle, the city's main square. It is built from vibrant red brick and sandstone, characteristic of the 17th-century regional style.
The center of the courtyard looking upward at the ornate gables and the central bell tower.
Visit the inner courtyard to find rare vintage books and old posters sold by local dealers.
Watch the local chess players who frequently set up boards in the courtyard during the afternoon.
Walk around the perimeter to view the intricate wood and stone carvings that differentiate the ground floor facade.
Do not mistake the building for a modern commercial bank or active financial institution.
Closed on Mondays.
