Situated in the heart of the Pas-de-Calais, in the Hauts-de-France region, Lillers takes place at the foot of the Artois hills, near the Lys valley. Limitrophe of Busnes, Allouagne or Gonnehem, it is about forty kilometers of the tourist town of Arras.
It was about the year 700 that the history of Lillers began with the miraculous arrival by the waters of the bodies of Saint Lugle and Saint Luglien, martyrs murdered during a pilgrimage near the castle of the bishop of Thérouanne. The latter gave them a burial, not far from an island in the midst of marshes, the starting point of the commune. Later protected by a fortified castle and ramparts, it was looted and destroyed by the Flemings at the beginning of the 14th century and then again by the French in the middle of the 16th century.
Nowadays more peaceful, the one that became known for its shoe industry between the XIXth and the beginning of the XXth century, continues to seduce its visitors by its interesting historical patrimony.
Built in the first half of the 12th century, the Saint-Omer collegiate church is the largest Romanesque religious building in the northern part of France. Classified as Historic Monuments, it was completely restored between the 16th and 17th centuries. One can admire 18th century woodwork, a funerary tile from the beginning of the 17th century, a choir with ambulatory, or a Christ of the Holy Blood Miracle of the 12th century. The stained glass windows of Saint Roch and Saint Therese, restored in the years 2010, also deserve attention. The site is open to the public for the Journées du Patrimoine or on request at the Tourist Office.
The chapel of Our Lady of Mercy is listed in the Historic Monuments and dates back to the 18th century. Of French style, in white stones, it unveils a very nice bells of slates with circular shards, as well as a pediment with scrolls. Inside, do not miss the Delannoy stained glass representing the bombs falling on Lillers.
Private property not accessible to the public, the castle of Relingue is one of the oldest seigneuries of the Artois. Built in the 15th century, it was completely modified in the 18th century to become an asymmetrical construction in stone and brick. We particularly admire its entrance door surrounded by two turrets.
Also private, the manor of Beaurepaire dates from the sixteenth century. Typical example of artesian architecture, it presents defensive elements, agricultural and bourgeois.
The most beautiful and oldest house in the city of Lillers, the Maison de l'Argentier dates back to the first half of the 17th century and has been listed in the Historic Monuments. One can admire a gable with no sparrows, as well as two square attics on the main facade, and a sundial. The edifice was also put forward by Aragon in his novel, The Holy Week.
Several marked hiking trails are accessible on foot or by mountain bike in and around the town.
The market is held every Saturday morning.
Organized in May, the Street Art Festival presents exhibitions, lectures, hip-hop demonstrations and graffiti sessions.
A Christmas market is offered at the end of the year.
