Continue the fiesta 6 ideas for exploring the Lille metropolis!

Beating drums, dazzling colors, contagious joy… Lille 3000 Fiesta puts festivities in the spotlight! At the Palais des Beaux-Arts, the Fêtes et célébrations flamandes exhibition awakens the spirit of the kermesses of yesteryear. Between the brushes of Brueghel, Rubens and Jordaens, feasts, dances and popular traditions are brought back to life in an explosion of color and movement.

How about continuing the “Flemish” celebration in the Metropolis? In Armentières, the Fête des Nieulles perpetuates its age-old tunes and distributes its legendary cookies. In Wattrelos, the game of bourle, taught at the Maison de la Bourle, perpetuates a typically Flemish savoir-faire. For a toast to the festive spirit of Flanders, head for the local breweries! From Brasserie Célestin in Lille to Brasserie Motte-Cordonnier in Armentières and Les Tours du Malt in Hem, not forgetting the hop tours offered by L’Échappée Bière, brewing culture is something to be savoured and discovered. And to prolong the Flemish atmosphere, push open the doors of typical estaminets: in Vieux Lille, the Rue de Gand offers a nice concentration of them! They’ll open their doors to you to enjoy beers and regional dishes in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Here, festivities are more than just admired: they’re lived, sung and savored, in the heart of an area where conviviality is a centuries-old tradition!

Fiesta means performance, movement, song and dance! In the four corners of the Lille metropolis, joie de vivre is expressed through events as varied as they are sparkling. 3 famous composers from the region have even composed anthems and musical tales for the occasion… These melodies are sure to cross your path!

Eclecticism is the order of the day on all sides…

From raï accents at the Institut du Monde Arabe to the origins of Brazilian folk music unveiled at the Maison Folies Wazemmes, not forgetting the groovy choreographic ball at the Palais des Beaux-Arts… will you know which foot to dance on? Our region’s fertile soil is full of captivating stages: Le Colisée in Roubaix, Le Grand Mix in Tourcoing, the Gare Saint Sauveur and l’Aéronef in Lille (to name but a few) set the standard beyond our borders! Just like the energy it radiates, Lille and its metropolis enchant visitors in search of dance or sound, be it techno… or accordion.

One of the highlights of Fiesta! is a visit to Condition Publique, where the Quand les étoiles refroidissent aussi and Oiseaux de nuit exhibitions plunge you into a party like no other. The perfect opportunity to (re)discover this former industrial wasteland, now a creative laboratory where art meets social innovation.

But what if it was also time to explore other alternative venues? Let’s head for the Maisons Folie, the beating heart of the city’s neighborhoods! Born out of Lille 2004, European Capital of Culture, these former factories, breweries and hospices have been rehabilitated and are now well-established artistic and cultural haunts. Here you can wander to the rhythm of concerts and committed shows, discover art in all its forms and, above all, create without limits. Whether you’re a night owl or an afternoon artist, one thing’s for sure: the party never stops here!

Welcome to the big “Fiesta” tent, where the circus and funfair world take over the four corners of the metropolis. The whole family will marvel at La Briche Foraine at the Gare Saint-Sauveur, an immersive exhibition celebrating the world of fairgrounds and rides of yesteryear, perfect for an escapade during the autumn school vacations.

Not to be missed, the Toiles dans la Ville Festival, orchestrated by the Prato, invites you to open-air screenings under the stars, combining cinema and circus arts for enchanting evenings. Throughout Fiesta, neighborhood carnivals, with their dazzling colors and lively rhythms, transform the streets into scenes of celebration and sharing.

Continue the experience by discovering the Musée de la fête foraine in Saint-André, a veritable treasure trove of fairground history, or by exploring the many local ducasses, symbols of popular joy. For an extra touch of magic, don’t miss the Cirque du bout du Monde in Lomme, which promises captivating shows for young and old alike.

Laughter, stars in the eyes and memories to share with the whole family: the Lille metropolitan area opens the doors to a festive, fairytale world. Join us to celebrate Fiesta in style!

Pop colors, clean lines, reinvented spaces… Fiesta! also celebrates design in all its forms! At Tripostal, the Pom Pom Pidou exhibition unfolds a stunning tale of modern and contemporary art. Not far away, Felice Varini takes over the Atrium of the Palais des Beaux-Arts with Éclats en Echos, an installation that plays with perspective and transforms space into a life-size optical illusion.

Want to extend the experience across the metropolis? In Croix, the Villa Cavrois unveils its masterly architecture by Mallet-Stevens. A life-size architectural lesson in functionality and elegance.

As for shopping, head for Vieux-Lille, where the concept stores are full of creativity: Momentum Design Store, Memento Mori, El Market… So many lovely addresses to add to your itinerary.

Finally, for a gourmet and arty break, head for ARTchives. In this hybrid of gastronomy and culture, every dish is a work of art in itself, to be enjoyed in a setting as inspiring as it is convivial. From museum to table, from heritage to shopping, design and art de vivre go hand in hand!