The Citadel of Lille opens its doors to you exceptionally during a festive weekend

It is a rare opportunity to finally discover the interior of the military building. There Lille citadelhistoric and emblematic monument of the city, will Exceptionally to open its doors on the weekend of June 14 and 15, 2025. To mark the occasion, a Very festive programming Wait for visitors.

Animations for the whole family

If you are used to walking or running in the Citadel park, you may have wondered what the interior of the building looked like. Well, you will finally have the opportunity to know it on June 14 and 15.

During a whole weekend, the emblematic construction organizes open doors, “to allow Lille to reclaim this high place of their heritage”, explains the communication team of the Rapid-France reaction body, which organizes the event.
On the program:

• Historical reconstructions. Discover historical scenes reconstructed by periods in period costumes who will bring back certain military accounts of the citadel;
• Cape and sword shows. Immerse yourself in the world of musketeers with breathtaking demonstrations mixing action, humor and artistic prowess throughout the weekend;
• Demonstrations of know-how and military materials. Discover some of the training techniques and equipment used by the French armed forces: demonstrations of close-up intervention techniques and cynophile know-how, release of military pigeons, presentation of French and allies armored military vehicles, drones, etc. ;
• Games for the whole family. Inflatable castles, mini commando route, airsoft and laser shots, escape routes, etc. ;
• Information and recruitment spaces. Discover the missions of the Citadel soldiers, French and allies, but also the opportunities to engage in the armed and security forces (army, naval, air force and space, foreign legion, firefighters);

• Musical entertainment and concerts. Military music will accompany these open doors with regular musical aubades. An electro pop/rock concert will be given on Saturday evening around 8 p.m., and the NATO military music, the “Shape Band”, will perform on Sunday afternoon.

Several catering stands will be present, for young and old.

An unprecedented event in Lille, on the initiative of the military

This beautiful program, planned to delight lovers as much as families in search of adventures, should attract crowds. Especially since the last open doors of the Citadel of Lille date back over 20 years, before the creation of the Rapid-France reaction body, an interallied staff based within it.

“This meeting therefore promises to meet a certain success, the citadel being, since its construction over 350 years ago, a fortress which has always been a place of military garrison, therefore usually closed to the public”, underlines the communication team.

Free entry but registration compulsory

Participating in this event is of course free. But beware, it is imperative to pre-register before going there. For this, you must fill out an online form, notably indicating your passage niche.

Good visit!

Practical info: opening of the doors on Saturday June 14 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., site closure at 9:30 p.m.; Sunday June 15 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., site closure at 6 p.m. Entrance through the Royal Porte de la Citadelle, rue du 43e RI. Released through the Dauphine door (overlooking the Citadel park). More info by clicking here.

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