I don’t know what came over me. As I was walking down the street a few months ago, a familiar aroma wafted towards me – a mix of steamed mussels, garlic and a hint of celery– Moules-Frites! When we came here as a family for our annual trip to the Lille flea market, we stayed with cousins whose apartment looked out on the magnificent Minim Monastery, already a hotel at the time. Now I know what Proust was talking about! A few phone calls and a lot of e-mails later, here we are - settling into our rooms at the Couvent des Minimes Alliance Hotel ****, the perfect place for our seminar and just in time for the flea market!
Located in between the Bois de Boulogne and Lille’s city centre, the Couvent des Minimes offers a versatile Lille experience. 500 metres away from Vieux-Lille, you can enjoy the wealth of culture and tourism opportunities of the old quarter. You will have access to acclaimed attractions such as the Opera and the Grand Place, as well as many shopping streets, cinemas and theatres. Alternate your time in Lille’s vibrant city centre with downtime in the Couvent and in the Bois de Boulogne park for the perfect weekend break to Lille.
The Couvent, as its name suggest, is a convent dating back to the 17th century. Transformed into a luxury hotel in 1990, you can still encounter the flamboyant Flemish architecture consisting of red bricks and spectacular vaults. Under the 900 square metres of the canopy, the Couvent’s courtyard and facilities are flooded by light. Around the courtyard, the spacious rooms also retain the convent’s essence yet boasts a contemporary décor. With an ensemble of soft colours and deep hues, matte textures and shiny varnished wood, then rooms emphasise the convent’s charm and create a peaceful atmosphere.
In the atrium, the bars offer a unique relaxation experience. In the L'échiquier Bar you can enjoy a vintage champagne, a whiskey or a cocktail with a light meal. It features an extension named the
the Clos Champenois, a terrace bar suspended under the Atrium canopy. Here, you can enjoy a signature glass of Champagne whilst looking up at the sky above Lille. Complete your dining experience in the Jardin du Cloitre.
Book your trip at the Couvent des Minimes for an unforgettable holiday spent in the Couvent’s spectacular atrium and in Lille’s best hotspots.
The charm of the spacious rooms, dispersed around the large courtyard of the atrium.
Drinking a glass of champagne on the large mezzanine, situated a few metres high in the atrium.
The location, between the verdant Bois de Boulogne and the charming Vieux-Lille quarter.
Enjoy regional and gourmet cuisine in the magnificent atrium under the glass roof of Le Jardin du Cloître restaurant.
