notre dame de la treille

freetraveller82

This is really an extraordinary cathedral. The facade looked a bit strange but it was astonishing to see the case model of the cathedral. Would have been great if restored to its original design.

Budeastbourne

Enjoyed a stroll round Lille and made our way to this attraction don't be put off by the front as the inside is amazing. You have to wonder how this was constructed and how long it took to complete. I would have liked to have had some information on its history on English but this didn't take away how interesting it was.

PublicTransportFan

This looks rather odd from the outside - a 19th century rather pedestrian Gothic revival church with a weird modern facade - but on closer inspection, the facade is a work of genius made out of translucent marble with an amazing modern rose window. Inside, the building is a mixture of very traditional with modern additions, and some very quirky and effective use of colour.

PhilW557

An incredible experience. We entered from one of the side doors and hadn't seen the front of the cathedral, so the view of the West end took our breath away - particularly as we visited in the afternoon and the sun was streaming through the rose window, bathing the whole interior in an ethereal light. The modern stained glas windows at the eastern end are well worth seeing too.

damianb774

What a strange place! A cathedral built over the period of 150 years. Inside, it is rather traditional and not unattractive. Having walked to the east end and turned back to to face the west, you are struck by the wonderful modern Rose window. The whole of the central section of the west wall looks suspended and the walls are in translucent marble, lovely with the sunlight behind. Alas, from the outside, the structure holding all this in place could be mistaken at first for some sort of scaffolding, and the marble panels look like plastic panels, relieved on either side by concrete panels that resemble paving flags. I may be being philistine, but it doesn't work. What really made our visit only three star was the horribly loud music playing sacred lollipops. It was simply a cacophonous intrusion and we got no sense of holiness about the place.I did admire the Klais organ (2008) which although suspended on steel girders with open pipe work, looked magnificent. Pity we could not have heard it.

AnapaulaE

It was a surprise when we enter the church! I looks under construction from the outside, but its actually a nice work that they did regarding the destructions from the war periods. Worth a visit!

XVictorious

Yes, the front façade belies the splendor of the interior. Inside you'd think that this gothic structure must've been built over a period of a hundred plus years and date from the 15th Century or before. Check out the story and you'll be surprised that this house of God is a 20th Century construction. The center altar and side altars as well as the wooden model tell a great story as well.

CliveG511

The exterior of the cathedral is initially off-putting. It looks lack a tasteless cheap concrete front on a gothic church. Step inside, though, and there is a transformation. The thin stone frontage allows the daylight to filter through and the effect is breathtaking. A wall of light. The rest of the cathedral is well worth a look as well. The idea of piped music might seem a little naff, but in these wonderful acoustics the effect is totally appropriate. Well worth a visit.

Q2241QYdanl

This is a relatively new church with unique architecture. One side of the cathedral has a Gothic facade and the other a modern facade. No guided tours and the programs weren't in English.

zeldag96

I first saw this church in the book, 'Structure as Architecture' while in university (modern façade on a gothic church), we unanimously agreed that the external structure made the church ugly. Then one day I came to Lille and realised that the external structure had a purpose... allowing a curtain wall of wafer thin marble! From the inside of the church, the light passes through the thin marble walls ceating the most beautiful effect. Its truely breathtaking.The church is in really good condition globally speaking. There is always music playing, which makes this large church feel a lot less imposing, and very welcoming. Each alcove is gorgeously decorated in its own right.Each year around christmas time they have an exhibit of Nativity scenes. They decided to charge an enrty fee in 2014, which i find very odd and not quite right, so i gave it a pass, but last year if was not charged for, and it was really intersting.Another plus is the accesibility. they have an elevator which is great for mothers with prams or people in wheelchairs.In my opinion, its a must for all visitors, no matter your beliefs, its an architectural gem to be admired!

Zoeboomahh

We always visit cathedrals whenever we visit a city. This one is something different. I understand it is quite new and that is clear from looking at the west front. I wouldn't say that is for me but venture to the east end and it really is quite stunning- lovely mosaics adorn every chapel, and some excellent stain glass is on display. I would definitely take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the busy city to visit this building

MarioA982

I was there in Christmass time , it was fantastic , the lights , the athmosphere , the design , extremely wide church !! lots of things to see and a wonderful place for a pray as well !!!

HermanVIII

I can image people love this type of cathedrals, but not really my cup of tea. I prefer the real stuff...

JasB279

Nice church with grass around and benches to sit on, the music was a bit scary, but ok to look around. There are a few restaurants nearby.

ejfraser

I have visited many cathedrals in my life.. Notre Dame in Paris, St.Peters in Rome, Westminister,St.Paul's,Gloucester,Sienna,Florence,St.Marks Venice, etc recently Seville but this is the most bizarre I have ever seen. Enter from the side and it looks quite normal its interior has "Gothic" looking vaults mixed with modern glass and statues.when you go outside and see the modern exterior where the retsaurants and cafes are you will me Gobspacked.My son and I approached it from the modern side and were astounded! we met a young English couple who had just exited the Cathedral. They said "Ignore this,go inside!!"