The Lille Citadel was built by Vauban, the King's engineer, between 1667 and 1670, on the orders of Louis XIV. This "Queen of Citadels", established on the Flanders border, was part of a double line of fortified towns between Gravelines, Dunkirk and Maubeuge, forming the "Pré Carré", designed by Vauban and comprising 28 fortified towns.

The citadel was classified as a historic monument in its entirety by decree on September 5, 2012, after various components had been listed in 1914, 1921 and 1934.