Chamber of Commerce, Lille

Historic Building in Lille

Lille Chambre De Commerce Opéra — Lille Chambre de Commerce Opéra

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

The Chamber of Commerce in Lille, housed in the impressive Nouvelle Bourse building, immediately captures your attention as you step onto Place du Théâtre. Its Neo-Flemish façade, dramatic belfry, and richly sculpted details make it one of the best places to visit in Lille for travellers who love architecture with personality and depth. The building stands proudly opposite the famous Vieille Bourse, forming a striking architectural dialogue between the city's historic and modern eras.

Built between 1910 and 1921 to house the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Greater Lille, the structure blends grandeur with civic purpose. Its 76-meter belfry, lined with a four-faced clock and a carillon of 26 bells, creates a memorable silhouette against the skyline and is often visited on walking tours of Lille thanks to its central location and unmistakable profile. Designed by Louis Marie Cordonnier, the building channels the spirit of 17th-century Flemish town halls and celebrates Lille's deep-rooted cultural identity.

History and Significance of Chamber of Commerce
Things to See and Do in Chamber of Commerce
How to Get to Chamber of Commerce
Practical Tips on Visiting Chamber of Commerce
Where to Stay close to Chamber of Commerce
Is Chamber of Commerce
FAQs for Visiting Chamber of Commerce
Nearby Attractions to Chamber of Commerce

History and Significance of Chamber of Commerce (Nouvelle Bourse)

The Chamber of Commerce traces its origins back to 1715, when Lille's merchants formed an official body to oversee trade, business, and civic development. By the early 20th century, the old headquarters no longer reflected the ambitions of an industrial and rapidly modernizing city. The commission of the Nouvelle Bourse marked a turning point, representing Lille's economic confidence and its desire to create a building that matched its growing influence in the region.

Louis Marie Cordonnier’s design embraced the Neo-Flemish style that dominated public architecture in northern France during this era. The new building paid homage to the city’s historical ties with Flanders, using sculptural decoration, ornamental motifs, and a grand belfry to echo the great town halls of Amsterdam and Antwerp. When the structure was completed in 1921, it immediately became a symbol of civic pride and an unmistakable presence in Lille’s historic core.

Inside, the building is equally impressive. The hall of honor, with its square 25-by-25-meter layout, features a soaring dome painted with frescoes and supported by elegant colonnades. The various ceremonial and administrative rooms, including the Sessions Room and the Kuhlmann Office, reveal the craftsmanship and artistic ambition that went into the building's creation. The Chamber's recognition as a historic monument in 2015 further cemented its role as one of the must-see places in Lille, preserving its legacy for future generations.

Things to See and Do in Chamber of Commerce (Nouvelle Bourse)

Visitors to the Chamber of Commerce can begin by admiring the façade, where sculpted scrolls, foliage, crests, and statues create a tapestry of Franco-Flemish artistry. The towering belfry is an unmistakable highlight, and its bells still form part of the city's soundscape during special events.

Inside, guided visits allow you to explore the Hall of Honor, one of the most beautiful civic interiors in Lille. The dome's frescoes and the surrounding galleries give the space a sense of harmony and ceremony. The ornate salons, each with their own decorative themes, offer a glimpse into early 20th-century craftsmanship. The Reception Room and Sessions Room, in particular, provide insight into how Lille's civic elite once met and shaped the region's economic direction.

Architecture lovers will also enjoy comparing the Nouvelle Bourse to the Vieille Bourse across the square. The pair together form one of the where to go in Lille when exploring its architectural heritage, offering a fascinating contrast between 17th-century and early 20th-century design.

How to Get to Chamber of Commerce (Nouvelle Bourse)

Reaching the Chamber of Commerce is straightforward thanks to its central location on Place du Théâtre. The nearest major airport is Lille Airport, located around 20 minutes from the city centre by shuttle or taxi. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Lille on Booking.com. Train travellers can arrive at either Lille-Flandres or Lille-Europe stations, both within easy walking distance of the site. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. If you are travelling by car, several city-centre car parks are available nearby, making it convenient to visit. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Local buses and trams also stop close to Place du Théâtre, and the area is particularly easy to explore on foot given its proximity to Lille’s key landmarks.

Practical Tips on Visiting Chamber of Commerce (Nouvelle Bourse)

Suggested tips: Arrive early if you want photos of the façade without crowds, and check ahead for guided tour schedules.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings offer a quieter experience, while late afternoon light is ideal for photographing the belfry.
Entrance fee: Varies depending on tour type; public group visits typically have a small fee.
Opening hours: Generally tied to guided visit schedules; check current listings before arriving.
Official website: Search for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Grand Lille's official site for the latest visitor details.
How long to spend: Around one hour for a full visit.
Accessibility: Exterior is accessible; some interior areas may have restrictions depending on tour arrangements.
Facilities: Limited; nearby cafés and shops on Place du Théâtre provide convenient options.
Photography tip: Step back toward the Vieille Bourse for the best full-height shot of the belfry.
Guided tours: Offered periodically and often focus on the building’s architecture and civic history.
Nearby food options: The surrounding streets are full of brasseries and cafés perfect for a post-visit meal.

Where to Stay close to Chamber of Commerce (Nouvelle Bourse)

Lille's compact centre makes it easy to stay within walking distance of the Chamber of Commerce. For a refined stay, consider Hôtel Carlton Lille which offers elegant rooms near the opera and the Grand’Place. A more contemporary option is OKKO Hotels Lille Centre, located a short stroll away and offering modern amenities. Travellers seeking boutique charm might enjoy Grand Hotel Bellevue, right on the Grand’Place with superb city views.

Is Chamber of Commerce (Nouvelle Bourse) Worth Visiting?

The Chamber of Commerce is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy architecture, civic history, and culturally rich urban spaces. Its Neo-Flemish design, monumental belfry, and beautifully preserved interiors make it a standout among Lille's landmarks. Whether you are exploring the city for the first time or returning for a deeper look, this building offers a unique perspective on Lille's identity and its long tradition of commerce and craftsmanship.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (2,078)

Beffroi de Lille on Pl. Augustin Laurent is an iconic bell tower that visitors climb for wide panoramic views of Lille and the surrounding countryside; access is limited so you may wait for a time slot, there are lockers before the reception area, and you can choose to take an elevator or walk many steps to the indoor gallery and higher outdoor viewing level for great overlooks of the city's mix of architecture.

Mamata Bait

4 months ago

"UNESCO heritage site , opens at 10. I went without bookings on a Saturday and was asked to return at 11 due to pre booked individuals had preference.but while I was still waiting outside their gate the staff was kind to include me apparently there was still empty slot. Ticket 7 euros. One must walk 3 floors (109 steps) to be at the reception. Before that you must leave your sacs in the locker ( free of cost) & easy to operate. On upper floor there is a receptionist cash desert but ticket ( if not bought online) . Then you may choose to climb 5 floors or take elevator. I climbed and the steps are short and easy to climb around 400 steps to reach the top. Nice views and good info on display with list of spots one can observe . Overall enjoyable experience. It was bit windy upstairs . Each floor has observation windows too...."

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Sarah P

3 months ago

"We enjoyed our trip up this iconic belfry, we tried as it opened on a Sunday morning but the queue was full, by 4pm in the afternoon we only had towait 10 min. We chose to walk up all the stairs (not as difficult as I thought) and the view was well worth the climb. Really interesting to see the mix of architecture in Lille and an aerial view of the places we'd visited. Good value too!..."

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Michael Mayer

3 months ago

"An interesting building with stu ing views over Lille at the top. Only a limited number allowed up at a time so you may have to wait. Also, oddly,there are about 100 steps up to where the elevator takes you to the top indoor gallery for views over the surrounding countryside and sprawling city. Take the stairs up another level and you can go outside and study the view further. Lille is a strange mixture of beauty and brutalism and you can see how the intermingle from your lofty position...."

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FAQs for Visiting Chamber of Commerce (Nouvelle Bourse)

Access is generally through guided tours, which are held periodically throughout the year.

Public access to the belfry is not usually permitted, but special events occasionally allow visits.

Most guided tours last about an hour.

Yes, but flash may be restricted in some rooms.

Yes, it sits opposite the Vieille Bourse and steps from the opera and Grand’Place.

Nearby Attractions to Chamber of Commerce (Nouvelle Bourse)

Vieille Bourse - A magnificent 17th-century stock exchange surrounding a lively courtyard.
Lille Opera - A grand neo-classical theatre offering performances and guided visits.
Grand’Place - Lille’s central square lined with historic façades and bustling terraces.
Hospice Comtesse Museum - A former medieval hospital now housing regional art and history.
Palais des Beaux-Arts - One of France's largest fine arts museums with an outstanding collection.

The Chamber of Commerce appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lille!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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