A Lille Legend that is Coming Back to Life
If your grandparents have ever talked to you about the Lille Fair of the 1950s, it's not just a tall tale: up to 1.5 million visitors flocked there every year. Hundreds of booths, concerts, quirky demonstrations, and even De Gaulle himself shaking hands. Then it faded away in the early 2000s, despite a few unsuccessful attempts to revive it.
2026, The Year of the Big Comeback
This time in charge is Julien Masclet, a bit of a daredevil entrepreneur who has decided to bring it back at any cost. On the agenda: over 200 exhibitors, a massive hall of 6,100 m² and several areas to explore: gastronomy and wines, crafts, auto/mobility, creators, and of course, the famous street vendors shouting into their microphones trying to sell you the vegetable peeler of the century.
Beyond the Market, a True Celebration
The idea isn’t just to recreate a fair, but to bring back the electric vibe that made Lille come alive in the '80s. With shared pots, demonstrations, surprises, and local delights to eat and drink, this event is envisioned as a festive whirlwind where you’ll come to hunt for treasures and leave with a great story.
Nostalgia, Curiosity, and Little Joys
Maybe that’s what makes the Fair so intriguing: it’s halfway between Proust's madeleine and a new promise, teasing both old memories and the desire to explore. Will it regain the grandeur of its heyday? We don’t know yet. But one thing’s for sure: this coming February, Lille will be buzzing about the fair again.
Lille Fair
Grand Palais, 1 Boulevard des Cités Unies, Lille
From Thursday, February 19 to Monday, February 23, 2026
More than 200 exhibitors expected
More info and registration...iptions here
