The Parc Jean-Baptiste Lebas looks like an oasis of greenery in the heart of the concrete. It is a beautiful park in Lille that contains expansive grassy terrain. The area has many flowers, trees and bushes. Children can enjoy playing in the playground. There is a bowling track as well. Locals can also be spotted enjoying a fun family picnic on the grass.
Jardin Vauban was laid down in 1865 by Barillet Deschamps, the head gardener for Paris, and follows the pattern of the "English Garden." Its 3 hectares (7.4 acres) of harmonious curves achieve a romantic image of nature. With the Daubenton and Ramponneau squares, it constitutes the last remnants of a great gardening project at the end of the 19th century, as the city was expanding. At the center is the old chalet of M. Rameau, now a puppet theater. There are also several monuments around, even a monument to homing pigeons! The space holds basins, ancient trees, a cave with a waterfall and a garden for fruit tree cultivation.
Surrounding the historic Citadel, the Parc de la Citadelle is a sprawling spread of lush greenery that is visited by locals as well as tourists. It consists of the zoo as well as the Bois de Boulogne Woods. The Deûle canal lies at the perimeter of the park. On exploring the natural beauty, one is sure to find trees like the Montepellier Maple and the Giant Sequoia.
This is the largest open space in Lille, and the busiest! Within the 50 hectares (123.5 acres) of land there is a zoo and a leisure park. Amusement for children and adults include a little train, roundabouts, a game area, and designated tracks for joggers, cyclists, and walkers over the gently undulating landscape. In the center of the park are the old trenches of the Citadel and its five bastions - a walk around here is always pleasant. It is worth noting that besides the snack-bar at the entrance to the park, there are several places set aside for picnics.
Lille's most recent park is situated in the extension of Euralille, along the viaduct that links Lille-Flanders to Lille-Europe, and covers over 20 acres. Created by the workshop Derborence, the Matisse Park rolls down the gentle slope of a vast prairie as far as the Place de l'Europe. The park has a playground that contains the Isle of Derborence. A popular hiking path skirts the periphery of the verdant land. Wander slightly off this loop to see the remains of the fortifications of the Porte de Roubaix.
What used to be a parking for airplanes has today been converted into the Parc des Géants. This is a beautiful park containing bamboo which is considered to be giants among grasses. The bamboos are interspersed with other flora as well. Ideal for mornings and evening walks, the park also has a small pond.
Jardin des Plantes, built in 1968 by the urban engineer Jean-Pierre Secq, is well worth a visit. Taking up 11 hectares of pleasant grounds at the edge of Lille, the garden is built on many levels and includes basins, waterfalls and a huge rosebush dating back from 1930! The botanic garden has a wide variety of plants, classified by family. The equatorial greenhouse, built in 1970, is surprising to see - it is a concrete cube set on an edge. Holding three spaces, its topmost level can be reached via three large staircases which provide a wonderful view of the tropical plants.