Vieille Bourse

The Vieille Bourse, or Old Stock Exchange, is a historic building in Lille, France, located between the Place du Général-de-Gaulle and the Place du Théâtre. Built in the mid-17th century during the Spanish Netherlands era, it features a quadrangle design with 24 identical houses surrounding a central courtyard, which is now a vibrant meeting place for booksellers, florists, chess players, and tourists. The building showcases Flemish Renaissance architecture and is topped by a statue of Mercury, the god of commerce. After serving as the city's stock exchange from 1861 until the opening of a new exchange in 1921, it was designated a historical monument and remains a key landmark in Lille, attracting visitors with its rich history and cultural significance.