Gare Saint Sauveur (Saint Sauveur Station), Lille

Gare Saint Sauveur (Saint Sauveur Station), Lille

Saint Sauveur Station in Lille is a prime example of how old industrial sites can be creatively repurposed for modern uses in cities. Initially opened as Station Fives-Saint-Sauveur in 1864, this site was meant to become Lille's main train station but ended up handling mostly freight due to its location away from the city center. This setup was a result of Lille expanding and incorporating nearby towns like Moulins, Wazemmes, Fives, and Esquermes, which led to the station's establishment following a government order in 1861.

The station stopped handling freight in 2001 as operations moved to a newer, more capable site at Dourges Delta 3. By the end of 2003, the freight company Sernam also ceased its activities there. This left the large 20-acre site without a clear purpose until the city decided to transform the historical structures into something new.

The redevelopment started in 2008, turning two of the old station buildings into venues for the 2009 Lille 3000 events. Hall A, a building from the 19th century and now covering 1,000 square meters, was transformed into a lively community hub with a bar, a restaurant, and a cinema. Hall B, from the 1920s and with 5,000 square meters of space, became a place for hosting exhibitions and events.

This project is part of a larger trend where old buildings are adapted for cultural and recreational purposes. The transformation of the Saint Sauveur Station has not only saved an important part of Lille’s architectural past but also turned it into a key spot for community and cultural events. This approach gained further attention when Martine Aubry, the mayor of Lille, announced her presidential run at this iconic location, highlighting its role in the city’s cultural and social scene.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lille. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Gare Saint Sauveur (Saint Sauveur Station) on Map

Sight Name: Gare Saint Sauveur (Saint Sauveur Station)
Sight Location: Lille, France (See walking tours in Lille)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Lille, France

Create Your Own Walk in Lille

Create Your Own Walk in Lille

Creating your own self-guided walk in Lille is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lille Introduction Walking Tour

Lille Introduction Walking Tour

Nicknamed in France the "Capital of Flanders", Lille and its surroundings belong to the historical region of Romance Flanders. Legend has it that in 620 AD, Salvaert, Prince of Dijon, passed through the region with his pregnant wife when he was attacked and killed by the local lord Phinaert The Giant. Years later, his son Lyderic avenged his father by killing the Giant and founded the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Lille's Historical Buildings Tour

Lille's Historical Buildings Tour

Historically, Lille's architecture differs from that of other French cities. Prior to being invaded by Louis XIV in 1667, Lille was Flemish, which is evident in its red-brick and other structures, quite uncommon for the rest of France.

Among many things, Lille is reputed for its fabulous historic center, abounding in time-honored buildings, palaces, and churches, offering a great deal of...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles