Enjoyed in the shade under the Camargue roofed terrace

The view over the Grand Place of Lille from the roof of the Grand Hôtel Bellevue is one of the most beautiful in the city. Thanks to a well-thought-out roof top structure, guests and residents can enjoy this unique panorama all year round, comfortably sheltered from the weather and wind. Just in the first year, the roof terrace attracted more than 1,000 visitors.

The hotel, which has been located on the historic Grand Place since 1913, wanted to further enhance its exceptional location. “We have been thinking about transforming the roof into an inviting meeting place for years,” says hotel manager Pierre Ceaux. Because the building is located in a protected urban area, the project was developed in close collaboration with the municipality and the Architects des Bâtiments de France. The result is a charming rooftop with spectacular views of the city.

Designed for comfort, in every season

The chosen solution had to provide not only shelter against changing weather conditions, but also be profitable all year round. Through a tendering process, the architect came across the Renson distributor Premium Fermetures. “We investigated various configurations to find the ideal setup,” explains Managing Director Pierre-François Moulin. “The wind load on the roof was a challenge, as were the high expectations regarding comfort and customer experience.”

In the end, the choice fell on a combination of five Renson Camargue terrace canopies equipped with tiltable slats, glass sliding walls, screens, integrated LED lighting and heating. A rain sensor automatically closes the slats when the weather changes. A practical storage area behind the bar was also integrated into the design.

The investment proves to be a commercial success. According to Pierre Ceaux, the hotel now attracts not only more people, but also a wider audience. Business events easily find their way to the rooftop, and the added advantage has even led to a higher average room rate. So it is a magical place that daily proves its versatility and appeal.