People often talk about the Citadel when discussing nature in Lille. However, a new spot is making its way onto the list of the most beautiful walks in the metropolis. Its name? The Gardens of Basse-Deûle. A vast 10-hectare park that is gradually revealing its pathways, viewpoints, and natural spaces along the water.
A New Nature Spot Between Lille and the Deûle
At the end of Peuple Belge Avenue, behind areas still unknown to many residents of Lille, lies a large park connecting Vieux-Lille, La Madeleine, and Saint-André-lez-Lille. The path runs along the Vauban fortifications, follows the twists and turns of the Basse-Deûle, and alternates between elevated walkways, piers, bridges, and paths set along the water's edge. The result is particularly delightful for a stroll on foot, a bike ride, or simply a sunny break on one of the many benches placed throughout the trail.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Over 3,500 trees to transform the landscape
This redevelopment project is one of the most ambitious recently undertaken regarding nature in the city of Lille. Alongside existing green spaces like the Ecological Garden and the family gardens of Poterne, over 3,500 trees, hundreds of shrubs, flowering and fruiting hedges, and new vegetable gardens have now been added. The goal is twofold: to provide a new walking space for residents while enhancing local biodiversity. Reeds, ecological corridors, fish passes, natural grazing… in this place, nature is not just decorative.
A walkway with a view and water strolls
Among the most successful new features is the Canopy walkway, accessible for those with reduced mobility, which offers a lovely panorama of the gardens and waterways. Boardwalks have also been created along the Turtle, while several sections...The banks have been completely redesigned to create a feeling of immersion in nature. In some places, you almost forget about the surrounding buildings.
See this post on Instagram
A stroll that could become a classic for sunny days
With its 2.5 kilometers of renovated or newly created paths, open spaces, views of the ramparts, and plenty of spots to stop for a few minutes, the Jardins de la Basse-Deûle has everything it takes to become one of the new go-to places for sunny days in Lille. One little tip though: make sure to prioritize the...daytime stroll, especially on the part located near the Avenue du Peuple Belge and La Madeleine, which can feel a little more secluded once night falls. Aside from that, it’s probably one of the prettiest nature surprises of this Lille spring/summer.
Address: Rue Bastion Saint-André, 59800 Lille, France