Vieille Bourse

The Vieille Bourse, or Old Stock Exchange, is a historic landmark 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 a vibrant meeting spot for booksellers, florists, and chess players. The building showcases Flemish Renaissance architecture and is crowned 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 historic monument and remains a popular attraction for tourists and researchers alike.