Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille, when sunlight shines through stone
We went for a little wander through Old Lille and, as we often do, stopped outside Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral. Its raw, almost industrial façade contrasts with the rest of the Gothic Revival building. But the real surprise comes on a sunny day: light passes through the stone. Literally.
When light brings the marble to life
The large central wall is made of pink Portuguese marble panels barely 3 cm thick. This marble is translucent. When sunlight hits the façade, the veins glow in shades of yellow and orange. That afternoon, the effect was particularly clear. Watching sunlight pass through marble is quite something. Whether you love the look or not, it’s worth experiencing.
A contemporary façade with a long history
Construction began in the 19th century, but the cathedral only received its current façade in 1999. This mixture of styles tells the story of the place, bringing heritage and contemporary architecture together. To find out more, see the dedicated Wikipedia page or the cathedral’s official website.
Our tips for visiting
- Look at both sides of the wall: outside first, then inside to experience the filtered light. Remember to step through the door to the other side.
- Our favourite time is a bright, sunny afternoon, when the translucent effect is easier to see.
- Address: Place Gilleson, Lille. Find it on Google Maps. Practical information and opening times: cathedrale-lille.fr.
- To plan a walk through Old Lille: Lille Tourist Office.
Why it resonates with us at La Maison Fives
At La Maison Fives, we have a real soft spot for materials and light. With our love of ceramics, our studio shop and the spaces we create, seeing stone become a natural screen is inspiring. We live in Lille, surrounded by this mix of architecture and creativity, and we love sharing the little discoveries that make the city special. Whether you’re staying in a hotel or guesthouse, or looking for a walk from Lille Fives or Lille Fives Cail, this cathedral is a stop worth making.
Over to you
Next time you’re in Old Lille, look up on Place Gilleson and take a moment to see the façade in full sunshine. Let us know if you also had that little “wow” moment as the light passed through the stone.
Watch our visit on video and follow our news here: our Facebook post.
