The European Heritage Days are returning in 2024 to Hauts-de-France, offering visitors the opportunity to discover or rediscover the region’s cultural treasures. Scheduled for the weekend of September 21 and 22, 2024, these days promise to be rich in discoveries and sharing: they not only promote local heritage, but also raise awareness among residents and visitors about the preservation of these cultural assets. It is also an opportunity for the region’s municipalities and cultural institutions to make themselves known and attract an audience that is sometimes unfamiliar with heritage sites.
Architectural discoveries in Lille
HAS LilleTHE Palace of Fine Arts opens its doors for exceptional architectural tours. You will be able to explore behind the scenes of this emblematic building and understand its evolution over the centuries. These tours offer a new perspective on this museum that many think they know, revealing little-known aspects of its architecture and history.
L’Hospice Comtesse offers two types of guided tours. The first, entitled “Portrait of a City,” takes you through the history of Lille through the objects on display. The second, “A Living Heritage,” explores the institution’s charitable past and its current vocation as a museum. These tours provide an understanding of the evolution of the city and its institutions over time.
The old one general hospicea remarkable example of Lille’s 18th century hospital heritage, organizes guided tours on Sundays. This building, a witness to the social and medical history of the city, opens its doors to reveal its unique architecture and its role in the development of Lille.
Historical explorations in the Lille metropolis
THE Departmental archives of the North are taking advantage of these days to exceptionally open their doors to the public. Visitors can discover the daily lives of the agents who work there and explore twelve centuries of history regional.
Montebello High School, former Charity Hospitaloffers a dive into its history. This visit allows you to understand how a building initially designed for care was transformed into an educational establishment, thus reflecting the societal and urban developments of Lille.
The department store THE Springemblem of Lille commerce, organizes tours retracing its history. From its creation as “Galeries Lilloises” to its current status, this tour illustrates the evolution of commerce and consumption patterns in the city.
Family and fun activities
For families, the WAAO (Centre d’architecture et d’urbanisme) in Lille is offering a cabin hunt. This fun activity allows children and parents to discover architecture in a fun and interactive way. It is an original way to spark the interest of young people in built heritage.
HAS The MadeleineConfiserie du Pré Catelan is organizing a nougat-making workshop. Participants can watch all the stages of the production, from cooking to cutting, with a tasting included. This activity highlights the region’s gastronomic heritage.
THE Benouville Castle is setting up a treasure hunt for children. This activity allows you to discover the history and architecture of the castle in a fun way, making the visit more attractive for young visitors.
Industrial and energy heritage
The EDF thermal power station of Bilge exceptionally opens its doors to the public. The visit, focused on the theme of energy transition, allows visitors to understand the evolution of thermal sites towards more environmentally friendly production. It is an opportunity to address current energy issues while discovering an industrial site usually closed to the public.
This free visit, upon registration, takes place on Saturday 21 september It offers a unique perspective on the region’s industrial heritage and its adaptation to contemporary environmental challenges.