Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange)

Historic Building in Lille

CC BY-SA 3.0 / 0x010C

In 1651, Julien Destree, a master cabinetmaker and architect in Lille, was entrusted with a major civic project: to design a grand stock exchange for the city. Lille had received royal permission from King Philip IV of Spain to build a bourse (exchange) for its merchants. Destree took on the commission with the ambition of creating a monument to commerce that would rival the grandeur of Antwerp’s own exchange.

The King’s edict permitted the construction of “an exchange… surrounded and enclosing 24 houses.” These 24 plots were sold to individual traders, while the city financed the construction of the galleries, the courtyard paving, and the four entrance gates. The build took place under Destree’s supervision between 1652 and 1653, resulting in a harmonious ensemble. The architecture reflects the Flemish Renaissance style, with richly sculpted piers and columns adorned with garlands and symbols of abundance, celebrating Lille’s growing commercial power. A gilded statue of Mercury, god of commerce, crowns the bell tower—an emblem of ambition in a city vying with neighbors like Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp.

The exchange officially began trading in 1861, albeit modestly, with only a small portion of capital changing hands. By 1921, a more modern Chamber of Commerce had opened nearby, and this building earned its nickname as the “Old Stock Exchange.” Located between Place du Général-de-Gaulle (Main Square) and Place du Théâtre, the building remains a key architectural landmark in Lille’s historic center. Its 24 identical façades encircle a bustling courtyard, now filled with secondhand bookstalls, florists, chess games, and curious visitors. Easily reached via Rihour metro station, the Old Stock Exchange is as much a social hub today as it was a commercial one centuries ago.

Why visit?
The Old Stock Exchange is more than just a historical site—it’s a lively, atmospheric space where you can browse old books, collectables, and antiques, or simply soak in the atmosphere. With its ornate facades and vibrant courtyard life, stepping inside feels like traveling back in time.

The Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lille!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!