Visiting the Citadel of Lille with Elastolin French Army soldiers ...

The Citadel of Lille (French: Citadelle de Lille; Dutch: Citadel van Rijsel) is a pentagonal citadel of the city wall of Lille, in France. It was built between 1667-1670 by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, Marquis de Vauban, (1 May 1633 – 30 March 1707). Dubbed "Queen of the citadels" (Reine des citadelles) by Vauban, it is one of the most notable citadels designed by Vauban. It is remarkable for its size, the quality of the architecture, and the state of preservation today. Its various components have been classified as historic monuments in 1914, 1921 and 1934 respectively.

Soay sheep used by the city to crop vegetation around the fortifications. These small sheep are very comfortable on the slopes and replace the mechanical equipment otherwise required.