lille travel ideas

The Perfect One Day in Lille Itinerary

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Its convenient location in northern France near the border with Belgium has given Lille a rich history which can be seen all across the city in one day in Lille. Though relatively small in size, Lille is France’s fourth most populous city, and the locals are never short of things to do as the city is full of many attractions to easily fill a Lille itinerary.

We’ve carefully handpicked the best things to do on a day trip to Lille and ordered them so you can easily go from stop to stop on your French sightseeing adventure. If you’ve got more than just a day, we’ve also got some great ideas on how you can spend them!

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Lille?

Lille is a perfectly sized city for a weekend away, with a broad range of activities to take part in as well as cuisine influenced by the French, Germans and Belgians to indulge in.

Towards the end of November and throughout December, Lille has a wonderful Christmas market with quaint pop-up shops lining the central square Place du Général de Gaulle. It’s a great place to spend the whole day, but you can also just enjoy a spontaneous afternoon there after arriving in 90 minutes from central London via Eurostar!

You can take a similar trip on the first weekend of September for Lille’s annual flea market, or braderie. The largest in Europe, Lille’s braderie has been a tradition for almost a millennia and draws millions of visitors to the stalls that cover most of the central streets each year.

However, if you want to incorporate this into a culture-filled weekend in the city, you might be disappointed as many businesses and most tourist attractions close during the flea market.

There are great venues across the city too, so you can time a trip to Lille with a concert or exhibition to make the most of your stay in the lovely city. If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Lille, just see what’s on over your holiday dates and decide from there!

Getting To & Around Lille

The easiest way to get to Lille from the UK is by Eurostar from London St Pancras station – you can arrive in Lille in 1 hour 30 minutes, with luggage and in a comfortable seat. You can take a train in the morning, experience a great deal in Lille in one day and be back in London by 9.30 pm, without needing to worry about parking or airport security.

You can also arrive in Lille from Paris Gare du Nord station by train in an hour, or from Brussels in 45 minutes, both with reasonably priced tickets and well-running trains. You can view train schedules here.

If you prefer to shorten your journey or make it even more convenient, however, you can also drive to Lille from the UK, crossing the channel on the Eurotunnel in 30 minutes and driving an hour to reach Lille. If you need to rent a car, you can browse options here.

Within Lille, it’s very easy to get around on foot or with the comprehensive public transport system. There are 2 metro lines, 2 tramways and around 60 bus routes to take you all around the city every day of the year, except 1 May.

1 Day in Lille Itinerary

Our itinerary will take you on a historic journey from the north of the city into the centre, passing through remnants of the 1600s to the present day, ending with a night to remember in Lille’s cultural centre.

If you want to explore with a guide then you can join a walking tour and if you plan to visit a number of attractions then the Lille City Pass might be worth purchasing.

Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle

Arguably the most famous Lillian – or Lillois – is Le Général himself, Charles de Gaulle. You can begin your one day in Lille with a visit to de Gaulle’s grandparents’ house, where the former French President was born.

This magnificent property with a wonderfully ornate art deco conservatory has been redecorated to appear as the house would have done at the time, complete with family photos of the bourgeois family, de Gaulle’s toys and christening gown.

In the annexe, you can learn about the life of the World War One war hero turned leader of the Free French in their permanent exhibition as well as the auditorium that hosts relevant displays on the World Wars and French interwar period.

Citadelle de Lille

Walking for 10 minutes eastward to the Citadel, crossing over the canal on the picturesque Pont Napoleon, you arrive at the incredible Citadel, conceived by legendary engineer Vauban at the behest of King Louis XIV after he conquered the city in the 1660s.

This star-shaped fortress is a small village protected by five bastions, with several royal gates welcoming you into its centre today to explore the historic ruins and enjoy rambling through the grounds.

The citadel is still a military base so visitors cannot see the inside of the citadel, however, the grounds, entrance gates and canal make for a lovely scenic walk.

You can also walk through the Esplanade du Champ de Mars Lille, a historic walkway that now houses a large funfair, with some rides giving thrill-seekers excellent views over the city of Lille.

Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral

Known for its statue of Mary protected by an iron trellis since mediaeval times, this formerly small basilica was converted into a huge cathedral in the 1850s, although war and financial difficulties meant plans changed and the cathedral’s façade was only completed in 1999.

You can marvel at the imposing exterior of the cathedral as well as enter to get a glimpse of the white marble and orange-yellow stained glass window that gives the cathedral a wonderful warm glow.

Just behind the Lille Cathedral is the Place Aux Oignons and the city’s old town where you can find the best places in the city for lunch or a drink in the beautiful buildings reminiscent of those you might find in Bruges or Amsterdam .

A day trip to Lille is incomplete without a walk through the old town – this is absolutely one of the best things to do in Lille. So wander the charming streets, take in the Place du Theatre, maybe visit the Hospice Comtesse Museum and consider finding a restaurant that appeals to you.

Try excellent local cuisine for a decent price in l’Estaminet Au Vieux de la Vieille at 2-4 rue des Vieux Murs. With strong influences from Flanders, you can find all kinds of local dishes on the menu, from Andouillettes to Gratin de la Vieille and excellent Belgian beers on draft.

La Vieille Bourse

Having indulged in a luxurious Lillois lunch, it’s time for the main event: Place du Général de Gaulle which is one of the top places to visit in Lille. This square is in the heart of the city and is the main location of the Christmas market and September flea market, so it should definitely be on your Lille itinerary if you’re on a strict schedule for your Lille day trip.

The buildings surrounding the square demonstrate the Flemish-influenced yet remarkably diverse architectural styles on display in the city, and none is more stunning than la Vieille Bourse – the Old Stock Exchange.

This dark salmon pink building with yellowish stone decorations on its exterior captures the attention of all visitors to the square due to its bright colours and wonderful design. While briefly under Spanish rule, King Philip IV permitted a stock exchange to be built in the 1600s, giving way to this fantastic building comprising 24 houses, each identical, surrounding an equally beautiful courtyard.

After the new stock exchange was built in 1921, La Vieille Bourse gained its nickname and was classified as a historic site. Today, you can go into the courtyard to find a second-hand book market, florists and chess players while you snap some photos of the architecture.

Hôtel de Ville de Lille

Continue down for a kilometre to Place Augustin Laurent, or take the metro from Rihour station to speed things up, and you’ll come across Lille’s town hall. This magnificent building is visible from miles away, thanks to its 104-metre tall bell tower, known as the Beffroi de Lille (the Lille Belfry) which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s as great up close.

Built in the 1920s by Emile Dubuisson, the building possesses the same Flemish pointed roofs found across the region, although it adds an unusual round turret while still keeping to the art deco style of its time period.

You can go up the bell tower, walk all the way or take the lift from halfway up to enjoy fantastic views over Lille and down over the Porte de Paris, which you’ll walk past on your way to the next stop on your Lille itinerary.

This triumphal arch in the middle of the roundabout was built to celebrate King Louis XI’s capture of the city and is a spectacularly large and ornate structure. On occasion, the city gate provides the backdrop for light displays, so it’s worth walking past at night too!

Palais des Beaux Arts

Heading West for ten minutes for the penultimate stop of your trip to Lille, or the last stop if you don’t have time to spend an evening in the city, you’ll find the stunning Palace of Fine Arts.

Built in the late 19th century, the building itself is a testament to its era with its immense size and strong, symmetrical archways, but more interestingly, the museum itself holds hundreds of works by some of the world’s most famous artists.

With paintings by Rubens and Manet, sculptures by Rodin and Barthouldi, and numerous drawings by Raphaël – to name just a few – the permanent collection has plenty to see and is well worth the entrance fee.

There are also some ancient artefacts in the museum, with some paintings and ceramics up to 2,500 years old! The Palais des Beaux-Arts makes for a perfect activity for a day trip to Lille as the variety of items mirrors the breadth of history displayed in the city.

The museum is also free to enter on the first Sunday of the month, and for women on International Women’s Day as well as on Museum Nights, which you can look out for in the website’s calendar.

Maison Folie Moulins

One of Lille’s best cultural centres, La Maison Folie Moulin hosts many artistic performances throughout the year from theatre to love music and dance. Despite its name, the building is actually a former brewery, although it is located in the Moulins district, and the brick walls lend it a rustic aesthetic enhancing the space.

Most tickets are reasonably priced, below 15 €, however, some are free. If you haven’t planned anything for the evening of your Lille day trip, head over and get your ticket on the door up to 45 minutes before the performances, which usually start between 7 and 9 pm.

Have 2 or 3 Days in Lille?

If you’d rather not rush around the city, you should definitely spend more than a day in Lille so you can travel at convenient times and leisurely walk around the city. Plus, over 2 days in Lille, you can take the opportunity to go further out to the La Piscine – Musée d’Art et d’Industrie.

This art and science museum is located in a former swimming pool and its art deco interior makes it a fantastic spot for photographs, especially for fans of Wes Anderson!

For history buffs, you can spend one of 3 days in Lille visiting the war memorials along the border with Belgium to pay your respects and take in the awe-inspiring monuments, as well as have tours of famous battlefields such as the Somme. You can visit independently or arrange a guided tour.

Where to Stay in Lille

Moxy Lille City – Mid-range visitors to Lille will love this centrally located hotel. They have an excellent location within the city, they have great rooms to choose from along with an on-site bar and breakfast available in the mornings.

Grand Hotel Bellvue – Located on the Grand Place in the centre of Lille, this luxury hotel is great for those looking for an upmarket stay in this French city. They have a range of sophisticated and opulent rooms on offer along with plenty of other plush amenities.

Aparthotel Adagio – If you’d like to have your own flat while staying in Lille without sacrificing all of the amenities and benefits of a traditional hotel, then this aparthotel is a great option. There are several different flats to choose from along with an excellent location in the centre of Lille.

The People – Lille – This hostel is an excellent option for those looking for a great budget place to stay. Offering both dorms and private rooms, there is also an on-site bar and restaurant and a great location for exploring all the city has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Lille hotels!

It may be a small city, but it’s impossible to see all of Lille in one day. That’s why it’s the perfect city to keep coming back to for a day trip from London, Paris or Brussels to enjoy the historic sites, wonderful food and mesmerising culture.

Are you planning to visit Lille? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary

The Ultimate Guide for Visiting France in Winter

The Ultimate 5 to 7-Day Pyrenees Road Trip Itinerary

About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

11 top things to do in Lille, France on a day trip

October 18, 2021 | Posted in: France

Looking for things to do in Lille, France ? I've got you covered! Below you can read exactly which Lille attractions dad and I visited when we explored the city, and which Lille activities you can't miss.

Want to do some Lille sightseeing with me? Come along!

1. Walk through the Porte de Paris and take a photo of the Mairie de Lille on the Place Augustin Laurent

2. place de charles de gaulle, 3. book market on vieille bourse, 4. opéra de lille, 5.go shopping in lille, 6. check out the notre dame de la treille, 7. have lunch at tous les jours dimanche, 8. have a merveilleux at aux merveillieux, 67 rue de la monnaie), 9. walk over the place aux oignons, 10. check out the citadelle de lille from afar and feel like a child again at the amusement park, 11. check out the palais des beaux arts, tours and ticket deals in lille, some interesting facts about lille, france, is lille worth visiting, how many days in lille, la maison du champlain, hotel l'arbre voyageur, l'art de vivre bed & breakfast, where is lille in france, how to get to lille by plane, how to get to lille by train, how to get to lille by car, stay connected while visiting lille, don't forget travel insurance.

• Free entry to more than 30 sites and activities
• Free use of Lille's public transport network
• Discounts in selected restaurants and shops in Lille, Roubaix, and Tourcoing

Top things to do in Lille, France

The Porte de Paris with the Belfry in the background

Across the street from the Porte de Paris, there's something we're familiar with here in Belgium too: a belfry. Belfries are something typical of Belgium and the north of France and Lille's belfry can be seen by City Hall at the Place Augustin Laurent.

Good to know You can climb to the top of the Belfry at 104 meters to get a panoramic view of the city. It's also the highest viewpoint in Lille. You'll get binoculars to see all the things and an audioguide.

Get your ticket to the Belfry here  

The Place Charles de Gaulle

This was our first stop during our Lille day trip and it's a great place to start because – as with many central squares – you can explore the entire center from here.  

The Vieille Bourse

If you go in the morning, it'll be rather calm and you'll be able to admire the architecture, but in the afternoon, secondhand booksellers open their stands and people come to play chess here.  

The Opera House is one of those typical things to see in Lille, France

Like opera houses all around the world, it's one of those typical landmarks listed as one of the things to see in Lille in guidebooks.  

Old Town Lille is great for shopping. Yes, you can find some of the big retailers here, but I recommend diving into streets like the rue de la Grande Chaussée (for luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès), the rue de la Clef and the Rue Masurel (for independent boutiques and trendy stores), the rue Basse (for antiques), the rue Nationale, the rue de la Vieille Comédie and the Place Rihour.

That last square is also where you can find the Lille Tourism Information in case you'd like to get a Lille tourist map or have some questions.  

And the weird Notre Dame de la Treille is another one

I'm a fan of “tight” architecture without any fringes, but this facade… I wasn't convinced.

By the time we got to the cathedral, I was also getting hungry, so we didn't go in. Instead, we headed to our next stop…  

Eating is another one of the fun things to do in Lille, France :-)

Tous les Jours Dimanche is much bigger than it looks from the outside, but it's compartmentalized in such a way that no matter what table you're sitting at, it always feels cozy and you get the impression of having food in someone's living room.

The restaurant has an open kitchen, personnel is friendly and the food is good. I had a lovely quiche and, if I recall correctly, my dad had steak.

I think we got lucky to get a table around lunchtime on a Saturday because the place was rather full. So maybe it's best to go a bit early or later if you want to be sure to snatch a spot.

Read more reviews for Tous les Jours Dimanche.  

Having a merveilleux in Lille

I opted for a small version of the classic, but Aux Merveilleux also sells “modern” versions with different kinds of flavors. Yum!  

Place aux Oignons

The amusement park for kids in Lille, near the Citadel and the zoo

Lille Zoo is located in the same park and so is a fairground for children. Just outside the park, you can walk through the Jardin Vauban.  

The side of the Palais des Beaux Arts in Lille

Because of its size, the museum is often called the Second Museum of France, with the Louvre being the first. If you're an art lover wondering what to see in Lille, France this is the answer.  

If you plan on visiting a lot of tourist attractions in Lille and using public transportation while you're there, have a look at the Lille City Pass . It includes:

• Free entry to more than 30 tourist sites and activities in Lille
• Free usage of Lille's public transport network (metro, bus, tram)

The city pass is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Get your City Pass

If you'd rather learn about Lille with a guide, check out these recommended tours:

• In the Middle Ages, Lille was part of the County of Flanders. Sometimes people wonder: “Is Lille in France or Belgium?” because Lille also has a Dutch name, “Rijsel” from when it was part of the County of Flanders, but that was long before the country of Belgium was founded.
• Lille was Cultural Capital of Europe in 2004.
• Lille has a completely automated subway system. This means you won't see any subway drivers!
• The name “Lille” evolved from “L'Île”, meaning “island”. The city originated on a tiny island in the river Deûle.

I definitely think so. It's easily walkable, has a nice Old Town with plenty of shops and sightseeing opportunities and art lovers will definitely find some places to go in Lille as well. I wouldn't mind going back :-)  

In that case, you could plan a weekend in Lille or go during the week when it's calmer in the center (and in the shops ;-).  

Where to stay in Lille

If you go to Lille and want to stay at a hotel, the following three cater to different budgets and styles but are all located in the city center and get great reviews. They also all offer free WiFi and breakfast.  

La Maison du Champlain is a Bed and Breakfast located in a charming 19th-century building. The spacious suites are soundproof and equipped with a flatscreen tv and Nespresso machine but you can also get your cup of coffee with your included continental breakfast. Guests can use the spa for an extra cost and come by train or park at the paid public parking nearby.

This Bed and Breakfast is ranked third of all B&Bs in Lille on TripAdvisor.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor / Book a room  

Hotel L'Arbre Voyageur is a four-star hotel located just a 5-minute walk from the Lille Flandres Train Station and a 10-minute walk from the Lille Europe Train Station. Aside from its individually styled rooms, this hotel also has its own bar and two restaurants – perfect for when you want to stay in at night. There's paid public parking nearby.

This hotel is ranked number 1 of all hotels in Lille on TripAdvisor.

L'Art de Vivre Bed & Breakfast is a bit softer on the wallet while still getting great reviews. It has its own garden and only serves organic and local products at the included breakfast. Water, as well as organic coffee and tea, are available all day long, and there's free public parking nearby.

I hope the above gave you a better idea of what to do in Lille, France. Now, for the practical side of things…

How to travel to Lille?

Lille lies in the north of France, by the border with Belgium and about 225 km/140 miles from Paris. It's the capital of the Hauts-de-France department and one of the biggest cities in France.  

Lille-Lesquin International Airport is only 10 km away from Lille's city center and 20 minutes by airport shuttle. Another option is to fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport.

Click here to compare flight prices.

If you're coming in by plane, you might not want to bother dragging your luggage around the city to get to your hotel. To make things easier, consider booking a transfer to drop you off right at the reception.

Welcome Pickups is great for booking airport transfers. Their site is super userfriendly and you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand if needed.  

Lille has two train stations: Lille Flandres Train Station and Lille Europe Train Station. The former is where you arrive on regional trains from within France or on the high-speed train to Lille from Paris. The latter is where you can get in when arriving on the Eurostar from Brussels or London to Lille or on high-speed trains from within France.

Because of the easy connection and short travel time, London, Brussels, and Paris all make great day trips from Lille by train. And of course, you can also travel the other way around to do a Paris to Lille day trip, for example.

Check here for timetables, prices and tickets for train travel within Europe.  

We drove to Lille as it's only about an hour and a half from Leuven. There are plenty of underground parking lots near the Old Town, so we just searched for one on Google Maps before leaving and entered that address in the GPS.  

I hope this post has given you a good idea of what to see in Lille in one day and has made you curious about visiting Lille as well. If you go, be sure to let me know how it was!  

Traveling to Lille from outside the EU and want to stay connected so you can share photos, call loved ones over WiFi and easily use apps like Google Maps? Then check out Solis Wifi mobile WiFi .

They offer both day passes and monthly subscriptions providing you with 4G throughout your trips. I've been using their daily passes not just when I travel outside the EU (no roaming charges for me in the EU) but also as a backup for when I think I'll go over my phone's data plan.  

Plan for the best, prepare for the worst. Travel insurance has you covered in case (part of) your trip gets canceled, you get sick or hurt abroad and even when your electronics break or get stolen. I've had ongoing travel insurance ever since I started traveling to make sure I'm covered for every trip I go on.

Don't have travel insurance yet? Check out SafetyWing. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. Their customer support team is great and I can personally recommend them.  

The editorial team at Wonderful Wanderings brings together travel experts with backgrounds in travel writing, web development and digital marketing. The team, through their collaborative effort, provides readers with relevant travel experiences and up-to-date digital content. The vast expertise within the team ensures an informative blend of travel stories and useful online travel guides and trip experiences, built on a foundation of both industry recognition and hands-on global adventures. Learn more about Wonderful Wanderings

georgette says

We went to Lille a few years ago for a wedding and I have to say that I LOVED it. The beautiful streets, the cheese shops, the hearty food. It’s really worth a visit. Great post girl!

I totally agree! Thanks girl, appreciate it :)

AlicevstheWorld says

All these places look so beautiful!

The Old Town is really quaint and even a bit further out it’s a charming city :)

Christine Knibb - Scarff says

My daughter spent half her year abroad ( for her degree) in Lille. It’s so close to Belgium that the chocolate shops are just ‘ out of this world’ and as De Gaulle was born there you can visit ‘ his house ‘ which is now a museum , though very rarely open ! The main square is beautiful as is La Vielle Bourse .

So lovely! Seems like you got to enjoy the city as well :)

Taste of France says

Lille has a vibrant Argentine tango scene! (so does Brussels)

I had no idea! Do you dance tango?

Suzanne Fluhr says

We visited Lille after visiting Normandy. A French physician trained in my husband’s lab in the United States and my husband was invited to Lille when he defended his dissertation. We had a lovely time. I’ve pinned this post as we have a standing invitation to return.

Sounds like the time to return might have come :)

A beautiful place, hope to visit all places and try all the food in your list! Thank you very much for providing this great recommendation

You’re welcome!

Hey, good job on that post, maybe i will someday travel to France!

Jackie says

You forgot the bars. and the awesome beers.

I didn’t do them, so I didn’t add them :-) Thanks for the tip!

Farenexus says

Was there last week and totally loved it, but didn’t get the chance to visit Tous les Jours Dimanche, food looks yummy

Glad you liked it! And not having eaten at Tous les Jours Dimanche might be a good reason to go back :-)

Angela says

I am finishing my lunch at Tous Les Jour est Dimanche and loving it! Thanks

Whaaat! That is so cool! Thanks so much for letting me know. I’m happy you’re enjoying it :-)

Scorpio says

Globally famous city is Paris. This city is also very beautiful.

Oh Sofie, what a nice place to go for sight seeing. Can we find a budget friendly accommodation easily?

It sure is! Aside from the hotels I mentioned, I recommend checking Booking.com for accommodation as it allows you to filter on price per night.

Is it easy to reach to places from train station?

Sandhya says

You are highlights all the best in France. You are cover the post with beautiful pic.

Monzee says

Nice places to see, I have a business trip after some days to this charming city I hope to meet you soon.

Celine says

Hello, I’m french but not from Lille and I think your article is very interesting. I enjoyed Lille a lot and especially the driving tour in 2CV that Tradi’Balade does!! I recommend

Cool! Thanks for commenting :)

Marcela Jiménez says

The Marveilleux were amazingly god!!! I followed your recommendation, bought the six pack, different flavours. We are heading now to Paris, I am glad to find out there are these delicious marvellous desserts there too. Rest tip!!!

Marcela says

After Lille we visited Paris. Found AUX MARVEILLEUX after walking many squares with Google Maps and ate the delicious dessert again. Today we are back home in Panama. I will try to replicate it somehow!

Ch'ti Girl says

Too bad you didn’t enter Notre Dame de la Treille: it does look weird from the outside, but it’s when you step in that this odd looking facade comes to life! You’ll have to come back and check it out… Another church worth having a look at: l’église Marie-Madeleine. It’s a desecrated church that’s become an arts gallery. Especially worth having a look is Subodh Gupta’s piece “God Hungry”.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join 58,000+ other Wonderful Wanderers!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Lille Itinerary

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 10th August 2023

Categories France , Itineraries

Last Updated on 10th August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Lille is located in northern France just a stone’s throw away from the border with Belgium. A lively city with strong ties to Flemish culture, Lille is fairly small and compact, meaning that all of its major attractions can be seen on foot. Here’s your guide to spending one day in Lille .

The Flemish city is characterised by its unique Flanders style of architecture, many bars serving up strong beers, and smattering of UNESCO world heritage sites.

Lille has a rather chequered history and was under Flemish, Burgundian, and Spanish rule during various periods, before becoming French in 1667.

The best time of the year to visit is between May and October when the weather is at its best, though there is also a Christmas Market held in December if that’s something you’re interested in.

Getting to Lille

Is one day enough time in lille , eat a  merveilleux for breakfast , climb the belfry, porte de paris, palais des beaux arts , grand place, book market , patisserie méert , notre-dame-de-la-treille cathedral, place aux oignons , free time in lille, enjoy a beer, dinner in lille, where to stay in lille , watch the lille video.

With easy transport links to Paris and the rest of France, it couldn’t be easier to reach Lille. We personally took the fast train between Paris Gare du Nord and Lille-Flandres and the journey time is only an hour.

There are two main train stations in Lille, Lille-Flandres and Lille Europe. Whereas the Flanders branch tends to serve train stations in France, Lille Europe serves destinations further afield and is where the Eurostar departs from.

Though Lille is one of the largest cities in northern France (and the fourth largest urban city in metropolitan France), all of its major attractions are fairly close together, meaning that everything can be explored on foot.

For the most part, the best things to do in town are centred around the historic city centre and this area can be easily seen over the course of a day. Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as there are lots of cobbled lanes and you’ll likely clock up well over 10,000 steps over the course of the day.

Lille is a popular day trip from Paris and also a pretty popular day trip from Brussels . It takes an hour on the train from either city to get to the city centre. There are also train links to further away destinations such as London via Eurostar.

One day in Lille suggested itinerary

If you’re the type of person who enjoys starting your day with a sweet treat, then you’re in luck: the sweet speciality of Lille is known as Le Merveilleux.

This small cake originated in either Belgium or France (no one is quite sure about its origins) and is a sandwich of two light meringues filled with cream. The best place to get a Merveilleux in Lille is from Aux Merveilleux de Fred.

After enjoying breakfast, head to the highest view point in town, at the top of the belfry. Known as the Beffroi de Lille, this 104 metre tall bell tower (though curiously it has no bells) is UNESCO World Heritage listed and was inaugurated in 1932.

The belfry is part of a larger town hall complex, which was completely destroyed during WWI before being reconstructed in the 1930s. The new belfry is constructed in classic Art-Deco and neo-Flemish elements.

Today, visitors can head up around 100 steps before arriving at a reception where you can pay to take the lift (or climb the rest of the stairs) to reach the top of the tower and enjoy a 360 degree view of the city.

The belfry is open from Wednesday through to Sunday. In the mornings, reservation is required, whereas in the afternoon, you can just turn up and wait. Please note that only 18 people are allowed at the top of the tower at any given moment so you could be waiting for up to an hour to visit.

Directly beneath the Belfry, you’ll soon spy the Porte de Paris. Much like Paris has its own triumphal arch, so does Lille (indeed, it has several) . However, the most impressive of these arches is most certainly the Porte de Paris, which was constructed in the latter half of the 17th-century.

The Porte de Paris is also known as the Porte des Malades (Gate of the Sick) on account of the fact that, when the city walls existed, this was where the city gate that led to a leper colony (maladrerie in French). The Porte de Paris itself was constructed to celebrate the victories of Louis XIV, i.e. the Sun King.

A short distance away, visitors will soon arrive at the Palais des Beaux Arts, a cultural space dedicated to fine arts, modern art, and antiquities. The museum was established in 1809 and today is one of the top places to visit in Lille. Dedicate a couple of hours to discovering this cultural gem.

The most grandiose place in town is Grand Place, also known as La place du Général-de-Gaulle, which boasts plenty of regal buildings constructed in typical Flemish fashion. Highlights of the large square include the 19th-century colonne de la Déesse and great views of the Beffroi de la Chambre de Commerce de Lille.

One of the best hidden gems of the city that’s tucked away in plain sight is the Old Bourse book market , which is located just off the Grand Place.

The book market is open throughout the year from Tuesday through to Sunday and between 1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m (and is closed on Mondays). 

Throughout the week, the inner courtyard is also home to people playing chess. Visit the Vieille Bourse of Lille in the summer and you’ll discover people dancing Tango every Sunday evening from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

After a morning filled with exploration, head to one of the many bars, restaurants, or cafés in the city for lunch. Don’t have dessert yet though, as there is an extra special sweet treat for after your main (if you still have room!)

The Lillois speciality dish to try is Le Welsh. But no, it actually has nothing to do with the principality of Wales! This northern French food comprises of brown bread soaked in beer flavoured with mustard and topped with melted cheese and slices of ham.

Served with a side of fries and salad, the entire meal is typically washed down with a local beer. One of the top rated places to enjoy this dish is Estaminet Du Welsh, though you can find this cuisine pretty much all over the city.

If you still have room for dessert after lunch, be sure to head to Patisserie Méert, which is located in the Old Town and boasts the status of being the oldest patisserie shop in town. Founded in 1761, there is a café within the establishment or alternatively you can pick up their sweet treats to take away.

The modern and not entirely aesthetically pleasing main church in town is the Notre Dame de Treille, an ecclesiastical building with a rather complex history. Groundbreaking for the cathedral was initiated in 1854, though the church wasn’t completed until 1999.

You see, the church ran out of funds part way through construction and so had to be built in stages. The resulting structure is a unique blend of architectural styles, melded together with an über modern façade. The cathedral is free to visit and one particular highlight is a rose window depicting astronauts and UFOs.

Just a short walk away from the cathedral is the Place aux Oignons, which is undoubtedly the most attractive square in Lille. Situated close to the old castle mound, the pretty Place boasts a handful of bars where you can enjoy a local beer while watching the world go by.

After heading to Place aux Oignons, there are a few ways you can spend the next few hours. If you want to see even more of the city but are tired of walking, then consider booking a bus tour like this one . For those who want a more private experience, consider booking a driving tour like this one.

Before finishing your day trip or look for a venue to enjoy dinner, I suggest sampling one of the local Flemish beers at one of the many bars in Lille. Just be warned- the alcohol percentage is likely to be much higher than the strength of the beers that you’re used to so be sure to drink with caution!

Whether you want to enjoy local cuisine or have dietary preferences, the size of Lille means that there’s something for almost everyone in the city centre. Some of the best vegetarian restaurants in town include Itsy Bitsy and Annie’s Kitchen.

During our time in Lille, we actually opted to visit one of the Big Mamma restaurants. The chain began in Paris but has since spread to further afield cities, including Lille. The eatery is Lille is called La Bellezza Big Mamma and I loved my truffle pasta. Just be sure to reserve a table in advance as this place is very popular!

Thanks to its status as one of the largest Metropolitan areas in France, Lille has no shortage of places to stay to suit almost any budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in the city based on location and web-reviews:

Gastama: Though a little bit out of the historic city centre, one of the best reviewed hostels in Lille is Gastama. Highlights of this budget place to stay include dorm rooms or private rooms, free Wi-Fi and a bar onsite.

OKKO Hotels Lille Centre: A mid-priced accommodation that is particularly well-reviewed is OKKO Hotels Lille Centre. Amenities include room service, breakfast for an extra charge, and baggage storage. Check prices and availability here.

L’Hermitage Gantois, Autograph Collection: When it comes to the crème de la crème of Lille accommodation, one of the most luxurious places to stay is the five-star L’Hermitage Gantois, Autograph Collection. Check prices and availability here.

Enjoyed reading about the best way to spend one day in Lille? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Lille (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Lille (France)

The capital of the northern Hauts-de-France region, Lille has a reputation as a hard-working industrial city, and has a fabulous historical centre. Until it was invaded by Louis XIV in 1667 Lille was actually Flemish, and this heritage is clear in the city’s architecture.

Old Lille has an abundance of baroque buildings, with delicately gabled roofs, and plush late-19th-century homes on engaging streets. If you’re on the hunt for culture you’ll be pleased with what you find: The Palace of Fine Arts is second only to the Louvre and there’s a clutch of smaller attractions that deserve your attention.

Lets explore the best things to do in Lille :

1. Old Lille

Lille’s historic district is a delight, with restored bourgeois houses on cobblestone streets.

You’ll  pick up on the city’s Flemish influence when you see the baroque architecture dating to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Place Louise de Bettignies and Rue de la Monnaie are the best places to start a stroll, and you’ll spend most of the walk looking up at the decorative facades and gables, so be careful not to bump into anyone! Old Lille is a dynamic area too, with more than its fair share of bars and congenial nightspots.

2. Palais des Beaux-Arts

A simply enormous museum, Palais des BeauxArts is behind only the Louvre for size.

It’s in a lovely Belle Époque summer palace from the end of the 19th century, and you may need as long as half a day to get the most out of the museum and its art from the 1400s up to the 1900s.

There are works by Monet, Raphael, Gustave Courbet, Rubens, van Gogh, Donatello, Jacob Jordaens and Picasso, but this is just the swiftest breeze through what’s on show.

Make time for the plans-reliefs, which are high-detail 17th and 18th-century scale models of cities around modern day Belgium and northern France, including Lille.

3. La Vieille Bourse

Most agree that Lille’s old stock exchange is the finest building in the city.

It dates to the mid-17th century and consists of 24 Flemish renaissance houses, all around a central arcaded courtyard.

If you’re wondering how the facades can be so ornate, the main architect, Julien Destrée, was a decorative furniture designer by trade, and was given free rein to express himself on this project.

After more than 350 years La Vieille Bourse still a fixture of daily life in Lille; people come to play chess in the courtyard, and beneath the arcades there’s a daily flower and book market.

If you fancy it in summer you can watch dance demonstrations in this marvellous space.

4. Grand Place

Lille’s expansive main square is the place where locals and tourists converge to meet up or see the sights.

On all sides are wondrous old gabled buildings.

Pause to look at the Théâtre du Nord, set in Lille’s former guardhouse from 1717. That classic Flemish style has also been adopted by more modern structures, like the art deco Voix du Nord building next-door, which was built in 1936 and has a high crow-stepped gable.

At the heart of the  square is the Colonne de la Déesse, put up in the 19th century to honour the city’s part in repelling the Habsburg Empire in the Siege of Lille in 1792.

5. Parc Zoologique

Located in the upmarket Esquermes quarter, Lille’s zoo is free to enter, placing it among the most-visited zoological attractions in all of France.

The zoo is pretty compact, but has 450 animals from 70-odd species and takes part in international conservation programs for endangered species.

The enclosures are all large and natural-looking too, so you won’t feel guilty about a family day out here.

There are seven areas in all, most organised geographically, so in Les Terres d’Afrique are zebras and rhinos, while the American zone has alpacas and tapirs.

Lille’s museum of modern art is a first-rate contemporary cultural attraction with more than 6,700 works from the 20th and 21st centuries.

It really took off in 1999 when it received a donation from L’Aracine, an association of Art Brut collectors, and now contains the largest set of Art Brut works in France.

Outsider artists like Augustin Lesage, Henry Darger and the famous schizophrenic Carlo Zinelli are all featured.

You can also see works by giants like Picasso, Georges Braque, Paul Klee, Joan Miró, Amedeo Modigliani and Alexander Calder.

The verdant sculpture park is good for a stroll too, with contributions from Jacques Lipchitz, Eugène Dodeigne, Picasso and Calder.

7. Lille Citadelle

After conquering Lille in 1667 Louis XIV wasted little time reinforcing the city’s fortifications.

The star-shaped citadel was built in just three years, and was designed by none other than Vauban, the famed military engineer who left his mark all across France in this time.

The speed of the project is all the more amazing when you see the quantity of material needed for its construction: Three million stone blocks, 70,000 lumps of sandstone and 60 million bricks.

The Citadel is still a French military base today, so you can’t enter, but you can admire the various gates and outer walls on a ramble in the canal-side park, in Esquermes, the same posh part of the city as the Zoo.

8. Stade Pierre-Mauroy

The local football team, Lille OSC have been a mainstay of Ligue 1 for many years, and managed to win the league in 2011. Things have been up and down for them since then, but the club has a swish new stadium if you’re up for some live football action.

Stade Pierre-Mauroy can seat 50,000,was built for EURO 2016 and hosted six matches during the tournament, including the quarter-final between Wales and Belgium.

In the summer the stadium doubles as a concert arena for major artists like Rihanna.

9. Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle

On Rue Pincesse, in a leafy neighbourhood north of Old Lille, is the house where Charles de Gaulle was born on November 22 1890. It belonged to his maternal grandparents, and his family was well-off, although it had lost its land in the Revolution almost a century before.

With the help of family keepsakes and contemporary memorabilia the house is now a museum doing a good job of recreating a 19th-century bourgeois home.

There are some artefacts that will catch the eye, like the general’s cradle, and the officer’s sword he received at the end of his first year at the Saint-Cyr military academy.

10. Town Hall and Belfry

The art deco Hôtel de Ville went up in the 1920s and took inspiration from Lille’s famous gables.

Flanders, to which Lille belonged for centuries, is a region noted for its belfries, and the town hall boasts the most recent and the highest of them all: It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site on its own, and rises to 104 metres.

In a low-rise city like Lille this concrete landmark is a useful marker wherever you are.

There are 400 steps to get to the top, but most sensible people will choose the lift!

Ticket available online : Town Hall Belfry Entry Ticket

11. Maison Folie Wazemmes

One of Lille’s massive textile mills has been transformed into a modern cultural centre.

It’s a red brick factory dating to 1855, and in 2004 the Dutch architectural agency NOX re-evaluated the two  buildings to create a new landmark for the city.

Contemporary design harmonises with 19th-century architecture here: There’s more than 5,000 square metres for exhibitions, and an auditorium that can seat 250 and stand more than 700. When you’re in town check out the sinuous sheet metal facade and pop inside to see what’s on.

12. Villa Cavrois

Less than ten kilometres from Lille-Centre is the suburb of Croix where aficionados of modern architecture will be keen to tour this mansion designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens.

Villa Cavrois was built at the turn of the 1930s for the rich textile industrialist Paul Cavrois.

Mallet-Stevens was a proponent of the modernist school and the building is a physical manifesto constructed with guidelines demanding the provision of “air, light, work, sports, hygiene, comfort and efficiency”. The villa has conveniences almost unheard of at the time, like air-conditioning, electric lighting in all rooms and telephones for people to speak to each other in different rooms.

13. La Piscine Museum

Next-door to Croix is Roubaix, where there’s an imaginative cultural attraction set in a former indoor swimming pool.

The pool was completed in 1932 and was conceived in an exquisite art deco style.

It shut down in the 80s but was reopened as a wonderful space in which to showcase a large archive of textile samples gathered from Lille’s many textile factories.

This collection goes all the way back to 1835, so the museum will help you connect with Lille’s industrial past in a graceful venue

14. Palais Rihour

There aren’t many flamboyant gothic buildings in Lille, but this mansion completed for the Duke of Burgundy in 1453 is a nice example.

It now contains Lille’s tourist centre in the Salle des Gardes on the ground floor.

Upstairs the Sacristy, with lovely stained-glass windows, and the Salle du Conclave are venues for exhibitions and public events.

The square in front is also where Lille’s first-rate Christmas Market takes place in December, and where you could come to taste Lille’s cuisine.

Just between Place Rihour and Grand Place are typical restaurants cooking Flemish-style dishes like carbonnade Flamande, a beef stew made with beer and served with French fries.

15. Marché de Wazemmes

One of northern France’s best-loved and largest outdoor markets is held at Place Nouvelle Aventure on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings.

Of the three, Sunday is far the most vibrant and colourful, when there are hundreds of stalls and thousands of people show up to browse and buy.

You’ll note a Maghreb accent at Wazemmes, in the spices and exotic fruits and vegetables used in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine.

But really, you can find anything you desire, from rotisserie chicken hot from the spit to antiques, fresh fruits and veg and even clothing.

Cap your visit with a beer at one of the bars around the square.

15 Best Things to Do in Lille (France):

• Palais des Beaux-Arts
• La Vieille Bourse
• Grand Place
• Parc Zoologique
• Lille Citadelle
• Stade Pierre-Mauroy
• Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle
• Town Hall and Belfry
• Maison Folie Wazemmes
• Villa Cavrois
• La Piscine Museum
• Palais Rihour
• Marché de Wazemmes

A Blog About Life & Travel in France

2 Days in Lille: The Perfect Itinerary (Local’s Guide)

• By Jen Ciesielski
• Updated: 2 April 2024
• 13 February 2024

Lille, a city renowned for its cultural heritage and historic architecture, is one of the most underrated destinations.

When I moved to France more than six years ago, Lille was the first place I visited in the Hauts-de-France region. Since then, I’ve come back several times.

I love the charm of Vieux Lille, the warmth of Lillois hospitality, and the local food.

In this post, I’ve put together the ultimate itinerary for spending 2 days in Lille. There are popular sites to help you get to know the city and some lesser-known spots.

Please note : This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking on a link (at no extra cost to you). Privacy Policy .

2 Days in Lille Overview

If you’re short on time, here is an overview of my helpful guide.

• Day 1: Grand Place, Old Town, Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle, Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse, Book Market, Aux Merveilleux de Fred
• Day 2: Wazemmes Market, Parc de la Citadelle, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Palais Rihour, Beffroi de Lille, Méert

48 Hours in Lille – Day 1

Your first day in Lille will be spent exploring the heart of the city, known as Vieux Lille.

This area is filled with picturesque cobblestone streets, quaint cafés, and stunning architecture.

Visit Grand Place

There’s no better place to start your day than at the Grand Place.

During the Middle Ages, it was used to host the city’s local market. It’s now a popular meeting point for locals.

Here you’ll find stunning architecture with varying styles , including Flemish, Renaissance, and Neo-classical. The most famous building is, undoubtedly, La Vieille Bourse.

There are also tons of cafés and restaurants where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere. There are some pickpockets in the area, but it’s overall very safe .

My favorite place was Bibi’s café. It’s next to La Vieille Bourse and, since the weather was nice, I sat outside and watched the city unfold.

Stroll Around Vieux Lille

Vieux Lille, or Old Lille, is a charming district full of cobbled streets and gorgeous brick houses.

It’s most known for its Flemish-Baroque architecture, which gives it a distinctive character.

Some notable landmarks include:

✓ Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral – a stunning fusion of old and new architectural styles.

✓ Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse – a former hospital showcasing art from the Middle Ages.

But what I loved the most about this district was the hidden streets and courtyards. It reminded me of Lyon’s secret passageways called traboules .

There’s the Abbaye de Loos Garden, which I almost missed because the entrance was so discreet.

Here you’ll find beautiful houses surrounding a lush garden. And when I was there it was empty.

Place Gilleson is another hidden gem.

It has a picturesque courtyard surrounded by colorful houses, but you’ll have to walk behind the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral to find it. That’s where I took the photo above.

Explore the Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle

Charles de Gaulle is one of the most famous individuals in French history. He’s most known for leading the French resistance during World War II and founding the Fifth Republic during his Presidency.

You can visit his birthplace, Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle, which has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and legacy.

Here you’ll learn about his childhood, military career, and political contributions.

The museum also features furniture and paintings, giving you a glimpse into the everyday life of de Gaulle’s family. They even had his baptismal dress (photo above).

I enjoyed touring the different rooms and seeing where de Gaulle spent his early years. It was a great way to gain a deeper understanding of this influential figure.

Discover the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse

The Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse is a former medieval hospital from the 13th century that is, now, a museum.

It houses a vast collection of artwork and ceramics, which offer a glimpse into life in Lille before the French Revolution.

The building itself is also spectacular. It features architecture from the 15 th , 17 th , and 18 th centuries, showcasing the elegance of the Renaissance era.

Of the museums I visited in Lille, I loved how the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse showed the city’s evolution throughout history. They even had a toilet from the Middle Ages and a painting of someone using it!

Check Out Lille’s Book Market

If you’re like me and love to read, Lille’s book market is for you. It’s housed in the courtyard of La Vieille Bourse, which is, itself, stunning.

Here you’ll find a wide selection of second-hand books. It’s predominantly French literature, but I find this is the best way to learn new French words and immerse myself in the culture.

It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Stop by Aux Merveilleux de Fred

The Merveilleux is an airy, light confection, made from two meringues and topped with whipped cream. It’s a specialty that was born in Belgium but has since become a staple of northern France.

There’s only one place to try them in Lille, and that’s Aux Merveilleux de Fred . This popular patisserie is run by none other than Frédéric Vaucamps, who created his own version of the Merveilleux.

And I have to say it’s far better than the original. It’s somehow lighter and tastier at the same time.

They also sell tons of different flavors. But the pastry chef told me the chocolate Merveilleux was the best, so I tried that one.

Compared to other treats in northern France, like the macaron from Amiens , I found the Merveilleux to be much more unique.

48 Hours in Lille – Day 2

Your second day in Lille will focus on the city’s art and culture. You’ll visit the best of the best parks, museums, and markets.

I’ve also added some must-visit sites in Lille’s Euralille neighborhood, which is a stark contrast to Vieux Lille.

Shop at the Wazemmes Market

The Wazemmes Market, or Marché de Wazemmes, is easily one of the most popular markets in Lille.

It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, fresh produce, and diverse selection of vendors.

As you wander through the stalls, you’ll find everything from cheese and charcuterie to flowers and clothing.

The open-air market is only open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings. But, if you can’t make it, the covered market is open every day except Monday.

I went early in the morning to grab some fresh fruit for breakfast and picked up a few things for a picnic in the Parc de la Citadelle.

Walk Around Parc de la Citadelle

The Parc de la Citadelle is the largest green space in Lille. It spans a whopping 60 hectares (123 acres).

And, at the center, is the historic Citadelle de Lille, a 17th-century military structure designed by Vauban.

Here you’ll find tons of recreational activities.

Go for a stroll along one of its picturesque paths, picnic on the lawn, or relax on a bench and people-watch.

There are also beautiful bridges, like the Pont Napoléon, that offer spectacular views over the Deûle canal.

Of the walking paths, I found the Tour des Remparts de la Citadelle to be the most peaceful.

It circles the Citadelle de Lille and is completely engulfed in greenery.

You won’t find a better place to escape the hustle and bustle.

Helpful Tip : The Citadelle de Lille is still used by the French military and is not open to visitors.

Tour the Palais des Beaux-Arts

The Palais des Beaux-Arts is one of the best art museums I’ve been to in France .

It houses an impressive collection of works ranging from modern art to antiquities. There’s also a large section dedicated to fine art.

The museum is spread across several floors, so you can expect to spend at least an hour here.

There was so much to see I had to revisit a few sections to be sure I didn’t miss anything.

My two favorite pieces were the Feast of Herod by Donatello and the Houses of Parliament, London by Claude Monet (photo above).

I also enjoyed the exhibit dedicated to the relief maps. This section showed what various fortified towns once looked like along the French border, including Lille.

Helpful Tip : The collection of relief maps is easy to miss. It’s located on the bottom floor and there’s a big arrow pointing to the exhibit.

Marvel at the Palais Rihour

The Palais Rihour is a striking Gothic-styled building located in the heart of Lille.

It was built in the 15th century by Philippe le Bon, Duke of Burgundy, and now houses the Lille Tourist Office.

Helpful Tip : In the 15th century, the Dukes of Burgundy lived in Dijon, which is an incredible place to visit if you want to learn more about their history.

I stopped by the Palais Rihour to pick up my Lille City Pass from the tourist office and I was surprised by the stunning interior. There was even a free exposition on Michel Serrault.

Climb the Beffroi de Lille

The Beffroi de Lille is the tallest municipal building in France at 104 meters (341 feet).

It was built between 1924 and 1932 in an Art Deco style, and, in 2005, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can climb to the top for a stunning 360-degree view of Lille.

In total, it’s 400 steps, but, if you don’t want to walk up the last 300, there’s an elevator.

Unlike the time I climbed to the top of the Strasbourg Cathedral , I opted for the elevator here. The last 300 stairs were not enclosed, and I didn’t want my vertigo to get out of control.

At the top, there were two viewing platforms, one inside and one outside. Both were spectacular.

And compared to my visit to the Beffroi de Saint-Éloi in Dunkirk , where the viewing platform was entirely open, this one was completely enclosed. There was even a fence, which blocked some of the view.

Dine at Méert

Méert is most known for its exquisite pastries.

But beyond the sweet treats, the restaurant also boasts a menu full of classic French dishes with a modern twist.

I ordered the salmon and scallops, which were cooked to perfection. And for dessert, I had the Exotic, a sweet yet tangy pastry made from mango, pineapple, and almonds.

It was easily one of the best meals I had in Lille.

Helpful Tip : The dining room was elegant and sophisticated, so don’t do what I did and show up in jeans and a t-shirt.

Where to Stay

There are so many hotels to choose from in Lille. But for this two-day itinerary, I recommend staying near the center. Below is a list of hotels that I recommend.

✓ Hotel Chagnot – This is where I stayed, and I couldn’t have been happier. The room was comfortable and the warm croissants at breakfast were incredible.

✓ Best Western Premier Why Hotel – This hotel is in the beautiful Euralille district. The rooms are modern but cozy, and the staff are helpful.

✓ Grand Hotel Bellevue – Grand Place – Located in downtown Lille, this hotel has comfortable, quiet rooms. The breakfast is delicious and the safe are helpful.

Where to Eat

There are so many places to try in Lille. Below is a list of my favorite restaurants:

✓ Estaminet Au Vieux De La Vieille – This is the best place to try regional dishes. The menu is varied, and the atmosphere is lively.

✓ La Petite Table – A small restaurant that specializes in local dishes. Everything here is homemade. What more could you ask for?

✓ Table N9uf – The menu is varied and features fresh ingredients. Most regional dishes are heavy, so, if you want something lighter this is the place to go.

Conclusion: A Weekend in Lille

Spending a weekend in Lille is the perfect amount of time to experience this charming city.

From the top of the Beffroi de Lille to exquisite cuisine at Méert, there is something for everyone here.

I loved every minute of my stay in Lille, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Now that you have your itinerary, it’s time to book your trip.

Most visitors fly into Paris and take the train to Lille for the day , so I recommend reserving your train tickets as early as possible.

Read More Articles About France

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it useful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.

• What to Do in Amiens on a Sunday: 15 Incredible Activities
• One Day in Dijon – The Perfect Itinerary
• 3 Days in Lyon – The Perfect Itinerary

Jen Ciesielski

Jen Ciesielski is the creator of Dabbling in Jet Lag. She has lived abroad for over ten years, traveled to more than 50 countries, and speaks French and English fluently. Her areas of expertise include moving abroad, learning languages, and travel planning. Originally from the United States, she now lives in France, where she has been for more than six years. She has also traveled extensively around the country. She shares her experiences as an expat living in France and helps thousands of people plan their trips every month.

Visit Lille in 1 day   Where to go and what to do in less than 24 hours?

• Escapades in Lille
• Lille in 1 day

Lille is a city overflowing with things to see and do. It’s hard to know where to start… Fortunately, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you make the most of Lille’s treasures in less than 24 hours. Grab your shoes and let’s go!

City Pass Free access to 40 tourist and cultural sites in Lille, its metropolitan area and the surrounding region, including transport. 24h 25€ 48h 35€ 72h 45€

La Grand Place

• Just a few hundred meters from the Lille-Flandres and Lille-Europe train stations, the Grand Place is a must-see! You'll be amazed by the diversity of architecture and colors. Look up and you'll see details invisible at first glance.

La Vieille Bourse

• This magnificent building, designed by architect Julien Destrée and built in 1653, stands between the sumptuous Place du Théâtre and the mythical Grand Place. When the doors are open, stroll inside and admire the decor. Go when the booksellers' stalls are open.

• Directly accessible from the Grand Place, the Vieux-Lille district welcomes you with its authentic cobbled streets, full of charm. Step through the doors of these stores to see the size of their interiors, in stark contrast to their pretty little facades. Fancy a gourmet break? Take a seat in an authentic estaminet.

The Hospice Comtesse Museum

• Nestled in rue de la Monnaie, in the Vieux-Lille district, the Hospice Comtesse museum offers an overview of the city's history, as well as a reconstruction of 17th-century interiors. This former hospice was founded by Countess Jeanne de Flandre, an important figure in the city's development.

Book your activity   among a multitude of experiences

Book your activity.

Guided tours, gourmet walks, workshops, treasure hunts, themed evenings, shows… we offer 1001 ways to experience the destination!

Here are our favorites for a complete tour of the city, its belfry and Old Lille.

Unusual getaways and culinary experiences, visit the city like nowhere else.

Visit more and pay less with our exclusive offers.

Stock up on bargains and new products.

Rihour Palace

• It's one of the few buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. When you arrive at the Place Rihour, imagine an immense residential palace spreading out over the entire space around you. Originally built to house the Dukes of Burgundy, the Palais Rihour became Lille's town hall several centuries later. Sadly, the building fell victim to devastating fires. Today, the Palais Rihour is home to the Lille Tourist Office.

Palace of Fine Arts

• One of France's richest museums. Lille's Palais des Beaux-Arts is impressive not only for its size, but also for the richness of its collections. Step through the doors to discover the museum's famous and carefully preserved works.

Town hall and belfry

• This is where you'll get the highest view of the whole city and its surroundings. The town hall is not open to visitors, but you can climb the 415 steps to the belfry, or take the authentic elevator up the first 100 steps. On a clear day at the top of the belfry, you can even see the Flanders mountains and the slag heaps!

The citadel park

• It's the city's largest green space! On a clear day, you'll find plenty of walkers and sports enthusiasts. Walk along the Deûle and get as close as you can to the ramparts of the "Queen of citadels". A stroll around the foundations of this colossus is sure to invigorate you.

Ideas for   exits

The Lille Tourist Office has put together a list of the best places to go and things to do in Lille and the surrounding area. Get ready for a great time!

Succumb to the charm   destination

• Tours and activities
• Souvenir gifts

One Day In Lille France Itinerary

Lille is one of France’s largest cities, located in the north in French Flanders. But you’d never know it!

The city center is chock full of chocolate box 17th and 18th century townhouses, giving it a village feel. They made me fall in love with the city straight away.

Lille has it all — medieval charm, a hopping craft beer scene, some seriously pungent Maroilles cheese, and restaurants galore.

But Lille is not just about old world charm. Lille is full of contemporary energy with festivals, breweries, and museums.

Snapshot of One Day In Lille

Here’s a quick glance of what you can see with this Lille itinerary:

Grand Place

Old stock exchange.

• City Hall Belfry
• Palais des Arts

Vieux Lille

Here are a few tours you may want to pre-book, especially in high season:

• guided walking tour of old town
• convertible Citroen tour of the city
• city Segway tour

One Day In Lille Itinerary

Begin your day in the heart of Lille at the main square Place du Général-de-Gaulle, simply called Grand Place.

This exquisite plaza is surrounded by impressive Flemish Renaissance buildings, including the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange).

Enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes around the square and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

The statue in the center of the square is the Column of the Goddess. It commemorates the city’s resistance against the Austrian siege in 1792.

You can visit the Vieille Bourse, which is a splendid example of 17th century Flemish architecture. Built by Julien Desiree, it’s a gorgeous gold, red, and brown brick building made up of 24 identical private homes.

The facade of the Vieille Bourse is richly decorated with ornate sculptures, intricate carvings, and medallions, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic prowess of the time.

The medallions feature portraits of famous Lille merchants, further emphasizing the building’s commercial significance.

The inner courtyard is decorated with 24 Corinthian columns and a tasteful mix of brick an stone.

The courtyard is a meeting place for dealers of antique books. It often hosts book markets and flower stalls. It’s a perfect spot to browse through old books and enjoy the intricate details of the building.

Tip : The Bourse isn’t just a landmark. It also hosts performances and cultural activities, so you should check the website .

Another must do in the old town is to climb the tower of the City Hall in Place Augustin Laurent.

To reach the top for a breathtaking view of the town, you’ll first climb 104 steps and then take an elevator.

An audio guide is available for a small fee of €2 and you can rent binoculars for €1 to enhance your experience. To enter, simply ring the doorbell.

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour of Lille’s old town

The Bourse is surrounded by enchanting alleys, old buildings, and picturesque squares.

A short walk from Grand Place, Rihour Square is home to the Palais Rihour, which houses the Tourist Office. It’s a retail area that often hosts fairs and festivals.

Pick up a city map or any information you might need for the day. The square is also a great place to admire more of Lille’s architecture.

Palais des Beaux-Arts

Lille’s premiere museum, the Palais des Beaux-Arts, is an impressive cultural treasure. It’s the second most important museum in France after the Louvre !

It’s housed in a grand 19th century Beaux-Arts building, which combines elements of classical architecture with a grand, elaborate style.

Designed by architects Gaspard André and Edouard Bérard, the museum was inaugurated in 1892. It features a spacious, light-filled interior, making it ideal for displaying its vast collections ranging from medieval to modern art.

The museum displays a vast collection of European paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.

Spend a couple of hours marveling at works by Goya, Rubens, Rodin, Van Dyck, Delacroix, Manet, Bosch, and the Impressionists. I loved Delacroix’s Medea and Monet’s House of Parliament .

There are also some works by Flemish and Dutch masters, as well as quite a few Italian Renaissance paintings.

Tip : If you are planning on seeing most of Lille’s attractions, you may want to buy the 24 city pass to save time and money.

Head to the charming streets of Vieux Lille (Old Lille) for lunch. This area is full of quaint bistros and restaurants serving traditional Northern French cuisine.

Try some local Lilloise specialties like carbonnade flamande (Flemish stew), moules-frites (mussels with fries), or potjevleesch (terrine with pig, rabbit, and chicken).

Another Lille delicacy is its stinky cheese called Maroilles . It’s an orange rinded pungent cow’s milk cheese. It’s served on its own or mixed with added goodies like gratins or tarts.

I can’t say I recommend the Lille sausages though. They seemed rather uncooked and had an odd, thready texture that put me off.

As another alternative, you’ll also find shops and cafes serving up gaufres , which are Lille’s delicious waffles. They are crispy and topped with powdered sugar or chocolate and whipped cream.

Two places to get your waffles fix are Meert and Waffle Factory. You can also check out Lille’s many bakeries.

After lunch, explore more of the narrow cobbled streets of Vieux Lille. Admire the beautiful old buildings, chic boutiques, and art galleries.

Stroll down the Rue da la Monnaie, one of the city’s oldest streets, dating back to the 11th century. The buildings are in vivid hues of orange and red, and reminded me a bit of the city of Toulouse in southern France .

There are upscale eateries, chic boutiques and gorgeous architecture, including the Hôtel de la Monnaie, established by Louis XIV.

If you need a coffee, stop at Honore. It’s a quaint tea shop serving up delicious pastries.

Have a glass of wine at la Part des Anges or indulge in handcrafted chocolates at Mathilde’s Comptoir.

Notre Dame de la Treille

On your walkabout, don’t miss the Cathedral Notre Dame de la Treille, a beautiful basilica. It has a rather wacky modern facade, but the rest is Gothic Revival architecture. it’s recognized as a national monument.

The reason for the odd juxtaposition of old and new is that construction began in 1854 but wasn’t completed until 1999. The cathedral honors the Virgin Mary and is named after a 12th century statue known for its miraculous properties.

Saint-Maurice Church

Just a few minutes’ walk from Grand Place, you can admire the historic Neo-Gothic Saint Maurice church.

The church has a lofty nave, beautiful stained glass, and artworks. (It’s facade could use a power wash though.)

Citadelle de Lille

Take a relaxing walk to the Citadelle de Lille, a star-shaped fortress built in the 17th century.

The surrounding park, Bois de Boulogne, is a lovely place for a leisurely stroll. It has large lawns, avenues lined with trees, a lake, and even a small zoo.

Not far from the citadel is the Paris Porte. Part of Lille’s fortifications, this hidden treasure is a triumphal arch with elaborate detailing and sculptures.

For a more sedate option, you can take a stroll through the Jardin des Planets. This undiscovered treasure is incredibly peaceful, with ponds, pathways, and a wide variety of vegetation.

If you want a pre-dinner cocktail, Lille is awash in delightful bars. I really enjoyed Le Capsule, a rustic shrine to craft beers.

Quai Des Bananas is a funky cocktail bar with a wide choice of drinks. Le Dandy is a combination of old school and hipster chic.

For dinner, return to the city center or explore the bohemian Wazemmes district, known for its multicultural vibe and excellent dining options. You can find everything from traditional French to international cuisines here.

Tip : Wazemmes also has a lovely market, open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday morning. If you are staying at at an Air Bnb, you can shop for fresh good to make your own seasonal feast.

For a Michelin experience, try L e Bloempot . It’s one of Lille’s most famous restaurants. It’s a cozy and rustic spot serving up seasonal specialities.

End your day with a walk around the beautifully lit city center or along the Quai du Wault.

Alternatively, you may want to take in a performance. You have several options:

• Lille Opera (classical music, ballet, and opera)
• Theatre du Nord (theatrical events and modern plays)
• The Grand Bleu (avant garden modern pieces)
• The Magnificent (comedies & musicals)

Tips For Spending One Day in Lille

How to get to lille.

You can definitely do Lille as a day trip from Paris. It’s quite manageable thanks to the high-speed train service connecting the two cities. By TGV, the journey is only 1 hour.

Trains depart from Paris Gare du Nord, one of the main train stations in Paris and arrive at Lille Europe or Lille Flandres stations. Both are centrally located in Lille.

Given the short travel time, you can leave Paris in the morning, enjoy a full day in Lille, and return to Paris by evening.

You can also fly to Lille. The airport is less than 5 miles from the city center. You can take a shuttle bus, taxi, rent a car, or book a private transfer to your hotel.

If you are driving to Lille, you’ll find plenty of public parking spaces and garages. Driving also gives you the flexibility to take side trips to Bruges, Arras, or Ypres.

How To Get Around Lille

Lille is easy to navigate. It’s compact and most of the attractions can be easily reached on foot.

However, the city also has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and a metro, for covering longer distances. And taxis are easy to find.

When To Visit Lille

The ideal time to visit Lille depends on your personal taste. In the spring, Lille awakens with a symphony of blossoming flowers in parks and gardens. You may get some rain, but the city is splendid.

In summer, Lille hosts a number of festivals and is extremely vibrant. Plus, despite being high season, it won’t be nearly as crowded as Paris.

In fall, crowds recede and Lille is filled with beautiful fall foliage.

Winter is cold in Lille. After all it’s in the very north of France.

Still, there are Christmas markets and you can warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine and enjoy the holiday decor.

If you’re interested in flea markets, you need to visit Lille the first weekend in September. That is when the Braderie de Lille takes place. It’s one of Europe’s biggest fleas and the city is transformed into an outdoor market.

Conversely, if you just can’t take crowds, stay away during this time as Lille’s population nearly doubles.

Where To Stay In Lille

You have plenty of options if you overnighting in Lille.

La Grand Hotel Bellevue is a luxury hotel offering up views of the Grand Place. Couvent des Minimes is a 4 star hotel near the old town located in a 17th century former convent.

For rewards members, L’Hermitage Gantois is a 5 star autograph Marriott hotel with a gourmet restaurant and spa.

On my last visit, I stayed in Clarance Hotel , a luxury boutique spot. It’s housed in an 18th century mansion. The hotel features 27 rooms and suites, each with its own personality. Plus, there’s a Michelin-starred gastronomic onsite.

I’ve also stayed in L’Esplanade Lille , a lovely and immaculate boutique hotel. It has spacious rooms and is a fairly easy walk to the city center.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Lille itinerary. You may find these Paris travel guides useful.

• 5 Day Itinerary for Paris
• 3 Day Itinerary for Paris
• 2 Day Itinerary for Paris
• Tips for Planning a Trip to Paris
• Top Attractions in Montmartre
• Top Attractions in the Latin Quarter
• Top Attractions in the Marais
• Best Museums In Paris
• Hidden Gems in Paris

Pin it for later.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

12 Top Things to Do in Lille, North France

Ed Norton / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images

In the north of France lies Lille , the capital of the Hauts-de-France region known for its Flemish roots. Located near the border with Belgium, Lille has transformed into a vibrant cultural center and university city offering visitors many art museums and a delightful old quarter with winding streets. Vieux Lille, the historic center, charms with its 17th-century homes made of brick and cobbled pedestrian streets. Lille and the surrounding area have many places to take walking and bicycling tours, shop, and enjoy bars, cafes, and numerous examples of fine cuisine.

Venture to Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse

  PHILIPPE HUGUEN / Getty Images

This former Hospice Comtesse in the historic center is a beautiful collection of buildings from the 15th, 17th, and 18th centuries, including a hospital ward, a chapel, a garden, and courtyards. Founded in 1237 by the Countess Jeanne of Flanders, it was one of the many religious, humanitarian hospitals that sprang up in Flanders and Hainaut in the 12th and 13th centuries. The museum features tapestries, paintings, wood sculptures, and porcelain from the region.

Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse is closed on Tuesdays.

Explore Charles de Gaulle's Past

TripSavvy / Philippe Lemoine

You can view the bourgeois house-turned-museum where France’s most famous president Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970) was born in the old town. The few rooms give you an idea of life at the time and of the relatively humble origins of the country's great figure. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday.

Another good place to learn is the Charles de Gaulle Memorial Museum and the private house he lived in for many years in the village of Colombey-les-deux Eglises in Champagne, about four hours by car from Lille. The museum (closed Tuesdays) takes you from pre-World War I to the 1960s when he was still a powerful figure. You can also visit his tomb—and those of many members of his family—in the small local churchyard.

Go on a Bike or Walking Tour

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

At the  Lille Tourist Office  in the Palais Rihour, tourists can book a variety of excursions, including a Saturday guided walking tour of old Lille that covers the Main Square, the old stock exchange, the Chamber of Commerce, and more important sites. There are also remembrance tours through World War I battlefields , adventures on old Dutch bikes or scooters, and additional educational options.

Have Fun at Local Events

 AFP Contributor / Getty Images

Lille is a lively place, with great events all year in the city and surrounding areas.

• Paris-Roubaix Cycle Race : Roubaix, about a 40-minute drive from Lille, hosts a weekend of events each year in April related to the famous professional men's bicycle road race held along rough terrain and cobblestones.
• Braderie de Lille : This enormous flea market always takes place on the first weekend in September . The masses come to Lille for numerous stalls and enough moules-frites (mussels and fries) to keep everybody going for two days.
• Lille Christmas Market: One of the best Christmas markets in the north of France , this one features around 90 booths filling the streets from late November through late December, while Lille is decorated and sparkling with lights.

View the Palais des Beaux Arts

The Palais des Beaux Arts is France’s second largest museum after the Louvre in Paris. Housed in a grand neoclassical building of the late 19th century, the large impressive spaces offer a panorama of great European art, including works by masters such as Goya, Corot, Monet, and Picasso. There are also sculpture galleries with superb 19th-century pieces and huge detailed models by Vauban of Louis XIV’s fortified north France towns.

The museum, closed Tuesdays and certain holidays, holds nice temporary exhibitions and has a café.

See La Piscine, La Musée d’Art et d’Industrie

  DENIS CHARLET / Getty Images

In Roubaix, the suburb of Lille, you'll find the unique La Piscine, La Musée d’Art et d’Industrie (a museum of art and industry). It’s housed in a fabulous restored building with an indoor swimming pool constructed between 1927 and 1932. The museum's permanent collection started in 1835 with the collection of fabric samples from local textile factories; it also has interesting art, including sculptures, ceramics, paintings, and more.

This museum is not open on Mondays and various holidays.

Delve Into the Local Cuisine

TripSavvy / Sam Bellet

Lille is something of a gastronomic destination, offering everything from fish restaurants to bustling brasseries and vegetarian-friendly taco joints . Restaurant Meert is a famed spot established in 1761 and is the site where Charles de Gaulle enjoyed waffles; the restaurant also serves salads, sandwiches, grilled sole with asparagus, and more. France is known for wine and cheese, and La Part des Anges hits the spot serving up both in a wine bar/restaurant.

Visit the Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art

The Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art (LaM) in Villeneuve d’Ascq on the outskirts of Lille, stands in rolling green parkland filled with impressive sculptures . The museum holds more than 7,000 pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries, including major works by artists like Picasso, Miro, and others. Exciting art and top temporary exhibitions make this a draw for visitors from Lille as well as those from the U.K., Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Note the museum is closed on Mondays and on some holidays.

Get Blown Away at the Louvre-Lens

Carole Raddato / Flickr

In 2012, the famous  Louvre Museum in Paris  opened an extension in the former mining town of Lens, about 21 miles (34 kilometers) from Lille. The gleaming aluminum and glass buildings house a remarkable collection of art from the Louvre. Enjoy the Gallery of Time, with over 200 works of art from the Paris branch—based on a chronological journey from the fourth millennium B.C. until the mid-19th century.

There are permanent and temporary exhibitions, including two major international exhibitions each year, so if possible, allow half a day for your visit. The museum is not open on Tuesdays and on some holidays.

Relax at Parc de la Citadelle

Jean-Phi92 / Flickr

Lille's biggest park, Parc de la Citadelle, is surrounded by the Canal de la Deûle and is a beautiful tree-filled retreat from urban life; it makes a great place for a picnic or a walk. Visitors can check out everything from the "Queen of Citadels" —designed by French military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban between 1667-1670—to a fitness area and a kids' playground and carousel.

Parc de la Citadelle houses a zoo with about 400 animals such as zebras, meerkats, rare birds, monkeys, and more. The zoo schedule varies depending on the season, so confirm online before you go.

Shop Until You Drop at the Center Commercial Euralille

If anyone's in the mood to shop, head to Westfield Euralille, where more than 16 million visitors a year enjoy over 100 shops, especially focused on fashion and beauty, but also covering everything from home decor to sports.

When hunger strikes, shoppers will conveniently find more than 20 restaurants, coffee and frozen yogurt shops, and beyond.

Enjoy a Colorful Covered Market

Lille Office de Tourisme

For a vibrant taste of local Lille life—which may include hearing the sounds of an accordion as you stroll around—check out the Halles de Wazemmes covered market, one of France's biggest. Enjoy a chance to pick up not only food and international products but flowers, household products, and additional items at this market held on Tuesdays through Saturdays. It's a fun stop, as the nearby streets are filled with cafés, local shops, and bars.

What to Do in Lille in Northern France

The Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region: North France

The Finest Museums Outside Paris Are Wonderful Surprises

3-Day tour in and around fabulous Nice

Top 20 Most Popular French Cities for International Visitors

48 Hours in Calais: The Perfect Itinerary

Lille Guide: Planning Your Trip

10 Top Things to Do in Rouen, Normandy

Guide to Dunkirk

Top 15 Monuments and Historic Sites in Paris

Rodez in the Massif Central of France

18 Best Free Things to Do in Paris

The Top 20 Things to Do in Lyon, France

Les Invalides in Paris: The Complete Guide

The Top 15 Things to Do in Bordeaux, France

The Top 10 Things to Do in Paris's Saint-Germain-des-Prés District

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Capital of the Hauts-de-France région, Lille may be France's most underrated metropolis. Recent decades have seen the country's fourth-largest city (by greater urban area) transform from an industrial centre into a glittering cultural and commercial hub. Highlights include its enchanting old town with magnificent French and Flemish architecture, renowned art museums, stylish shopping, outstanding cuisine, a nightlife scene bolstered by 67,000 university students, and some 1600 designers in its environs.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Palais des Beaux Arts

Inaugurated in 1892, Lille's illustrious Fine Arts Museum claims France's second-largest collection after Paris' Musée du Louvre. Its cache of sublime…

La Piscine Musée d'Art et d'Industrie

An art deco municipal swimming pool built between 1927 and 1932 is now an innovative museum showcasing fine arts (paintings, sculptures, drawings) and…

Musée d'Art Moderne, d'Art Contemporain et d'Art Brut – LaM

Colourful, playful and just plain weird works of modern and contemporary art by masters such as Braque, Calder, Léger, Miró, Modigliani and Picasso are…

Hôtel de Ville

Built between 1924 and 1932, Lille's city hall is topped by a slender, 104m-high belfry that was designated a Unesco-listed monument in 2004. Climbing 100…

For an authentic taste of grassroots Lille, head to the ethnically diverse, family-friendly quartier populaire (working-class quarter) of Wazemmes, 1.3km…

Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse

Within a red-brick 15th- and 17th-century poorhouse, this absorbing museum features ceramics, earthenware wall tiles, religious art, 17th- and 18th…

Le Tripostal

Splashed with street art murals, this cavernous red-brick postal sorting centre was transformed into an arts centre in 2004, when Lille was the European…

Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle

The upper-middle-class house in which Charles de Gaulle was born in 1890 is now a museum presenting the French general and president in the context of his…

Plan with a local

Experience the real France

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Lille

Oct 3, 2019 • 4 min read

Our writer reveals why he avoided the Paris crowds and headed instead for the handsome architecture, great food and fabulous art museums of Lille.

Jun 14, 2019 • 6 min read

Feb 10, 2014 • 6 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Lille

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Solo Location Guides
• Solo Travel Advice
• Solo Inspiration
• Luxury travel

DESTINATIONS , EUROPE , FRANCE

One day in lille, france: itinerary + self-guided walking tour.

Featuring grand cobblestoned squares lined with exuberant Baroque buildings, Lille is one of France’s best-kept secrets. And thanks to its excellent rail connections, it is easy to take a day trip to Lille from other major cities, including London on Eurostar.

But which are the best things to see during one day in Lille? As a three-time visitor, this is where I can help.

Make the most of your time in this fascinating Flemish city by following my 1-day Lille itinerary. There’s a map you can use for a self-guided walking tour as well as practical information, including where to stay and how to get there and get around.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

Is One Day in Lille Enough? 

One day in Lille is enough to cover its main sights. Despite its size, the city’s main attractions are close together, making it easy to explore on foot. However, I recommend spending two days in Lille to appreciate it at a more relaxed pace. This also means that you can take a look at the UNESCO-listed Lille Citadel and visit the extraordinary La Piscine de Roubaix.

1-Day Lille Itinerary + Map

My Lille 1-day itinerary starts at Musée de Hospice Comtesse and finishes at the Beffroi de Lille:

• Musée de Hospice Comtesse

Place aux Oignons

• Notre Dame de la Treille
• Place de Théâtre
• La Veille Bourse
• Place du Générale-de-Gaulle

Church of St. Etienne

Palais des beaux-arts, lille.

• Porte de Paris
• Beffroi de Lille

This walk follows a logical route from north to south but you may need to tweak it and dog-leg back to a few places to accommodate their opening hours. Check these in advance.

The distance between these sights is less than 2 miles . To help you on your way, here’s a map you can use as a  self-guided Lille walking tour . Click here or on the image for step-by-step directions and to send to your phone.

Musée de Hospice Comtesse (Hospice Compesse Museum)

Founded in 1237 by Countess Jeanne de Flandre, the Hospice Comtesse Museum is the first stop on our Lille itinerary. This hospital remained in service until 1939 and is now the city’s museum and home to a collection of Flemish paintings, tapestries, wood sculptures and porcelain.

Aux Merveilleux de Fred

No Lille day trip is complete without trying Merveilleux. The best place to pick these up is Aux Merveilleux de Fred and there’s a shop opposite the Hospice Comtesse Museum.

Literally marvellous, these little cakes are made from clouds of light meringue liberally smothered in fresh cream and chocolate shavings.

Despite what its name suggests, onions have played no part in the history of Place aux Oignons. Back in the Middle Ages, this photogenic square formed part of the fortress of the Counts of Flanders, none of which remains. Today, it is home to several good restaurants.

Notre Dame de la Treille (Lille Cathedral)

I have walked down the nave of many cathedrals over the years but the Notre Dame de la Treille ranks amongst the most interesting that I have visited.

Lille Cathedral owes its unique appearance to its troubled genesis. Originally conceived as a Gothic building, the cathedral’s foundations were laid in 1854. However, workers had to down tools in 1947 when funds dried up, and construction was not resumed until 1999.

The resulting cathedral is a dizzying mix of traditional meets contemporary. The ugly modern façade, made from 110 marble sheets, contrasts with the cathedral’s interior with its soaring Gothic arches.

Its glass  rose window  above the main entrance features unusual symbols including UFOs & astronauts, said to represent the cycle of death and resurrection.

However, for me, Lille Cathedral’s star turn is La Sainte Chapelle  behind the main altar. Housing a small 12th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, it has an exquisite mosaic floor.

Place de Théâtre & La Veille Bourse  

Two flamboyant buildings dominate Lille’s Place du Théâtre.

The first is its gleaming white opera house topped by an overblown sculpture of the  Triumph of Apollo. 

The other is the ornate, albeit more restrained, La Veille Bourse .

La Veille Bourse was one of my favourite places to visit in Lille. Formerly the city’s stock exchange, this structure comprises 24 small houses arranged around an elaborate, porticoed inner courtyard, embellished with decorative plaques and stone sculptures.

Now home to a book market, La Veille Bourse has an interesting history.

Before its construction in the 1650s, most trading took place outside, and traders were at the mercy of the elements. Battling wind, rain and a damp chill during one of my days in Lille I felt their pain!

To prevent the traders from falling sick, La Veille Bourse was commissioned to provide private houses supporting trading in the coldest months.

Place du Générale-de-Gaulle (Grand Place)

Walk through La Bourse to Lille’s beating heart, the Grand Place. Once the site of the city’s medieval market, today it’s the focal point for celebrations and a popular meeting place.

At Christmas time, it is home to a giant Ferris wheel.

The Déesse Column , commemorating the 1792 Austrian siege, is in the centre of the square.

More exuberant Flemish buildings flank the square, including the  La Voix du Nord  building , home to the largest newspaper in Northern France.

Climb the steps to the entrance of Théâtre du Nord for a birds-eye view of the Grand Place.

Place Rihour & Lille Christmas market

Lacking the architectural bravado of the Grand Place or Place du Théâtre, the smaller and unremarkable Place Rihour, is home to the friendly  Lille Tourist Office  and the city’s Christmas market.

The 18 th  Century Church of St. Etienne (L’Église Saint Etienne) is a few minutes walk southwest of Place Rihour.

This is one of France’s largest Jesuit churches and features an exquisite pulpit, sculpted by François Rude. It is crowned by angels and cherubs with Faith and Hope holding a vessel of St. Stephen’s martyrdom.

Ten minutes southeast of the Church of St. Etienne is Lille’s cultural calling card, the Palais des Beaux-Arts .

Flanking the southern side of the vast Place de la République, this fine art gallery is second only to the Louvre in Paris in size and stature. It was established by Napoleon in the early 1800s to popularise art, its collection curated from the spoils of war.

I recommend working your way chronologically, starting at the basement level with art from the Renaissance period.

Don’t miss a pair of paintings by  Dirk Bouts  (1420 – 1475) that were once part of a triptych.

The painting to your right depicts the righteous ascending into Heaven. The souls featured in the left-hand side painting weren’t so lucky, with the dammed falling into Hell to be tortured by demons for eternity.

It is thought that the central painting of this triptych represented Judgement Day.

On the upper floor, there is an impressive collection of muscular Rubens, a smattering of Sisleys and expressive Goyas. The Palais des Beaux-Arts is also home to a fine collection of Rodin sculptures, the most striking of which is Les Bourgeois de Calais.

Porte de Paris and Lille Belfry (Beffroi de Lille)

Porte de Paris , the final stop on our Lille walking tour, is five minutes east of the Palais des Beaux-Arts

Built by Simon Vollant in the late 17 th  Century to celebrate Louis XIV’s capture of Lille for the French, this is the most striking of Lille’s surviving city gates.

The adjacent red brick and stone Art Deco belfry rises over the city like a giant exclamation mark. At a height of 104 meters, the UNESCO-listed Beffroi de Lille is the highest civilian belfry in Europe.

To climb Lille’s belfry, walk the first 100 steps and then take 300 or so steps or the elevator to the top. I recommend taking the lift up and walking down as there is information about the belfry on each floor.

Check opening hours and find out how to book here .

The Best Time to Visit Lille, France

For longer days and the best chance of sunny skies, visit Lille between May and September. I was there most recently in May and basked in balmy temperatures and drank cooling beer under blue skies. If Christmas markets are your thing, plan your visit for December (this was my first visit). Although it can be cold and damp, there is something magical about the festive lights.

Getting There

Lille has two train stations: Lille Flandres and Lille Europe. It is a ten-minute walk between the two train stations.

Most trains from other French cities and Belgium arrive at Lille Flandres station in the heart of the old town. Some TGV services go into Lille Europe , which also serves Eurostar trains from Brussels and London.

Thanks to short journey times and the central location of the train station, it’s easy to do a Lille day trip from Paris, Brussels and London. You can check train times here .

Eurotunnel  trains run from Folkestone to Calais up to four times per hour from 7 am. The last train back from Calais is at around midnight.

Alternatively, take the  car ferry from Dover to Calais , a 90-minute crossing.

There are underground car parks near the old town.

Getting Around

The best way to get around Lille is on foot. As most of the city’s attractions are close to one another, Lille lends itself beautifully to a self-guided walking tour

Lille also has an excellent bus, tram and metro network , which I used to visit La Piscine de Roubaix on my third visit. Public transport is included in the  Lille City Pass , which also includes free access to attractions and a selection of discounts and special offers.

Where to Stay in Lille

As one of France’s biggest cities, Lille is not lacking in accommodation options. However, to be in the thick of things, pick a central location near the old town.

Ibis Lille Centre Gare

I chose this 3-star hotel on my first visit to Lille for its central location close to Lille Flandres station. It’s perfect if you want a comfortable stay in a good location at an affordable price

>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK

Hotel Boa, BW Signature Collection

This 4-star hotel, where I stayed on my most recent trip to Lille, is perfect if you are looking for a quiet, centrally-located hotel with superb customer service. Its location, between Lille Flandres Station and Place de Théâtre, could not be better and the complimentary minibar a bonus.

>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY & PRICES

Here are some other hotels that I have found that may suit different budgets:

Splurge – Grand Hotel Bellevue – Grand Place

This 4-star hotel is right in the thick of things on the Grand Place. A good breakfast is included in the room rate.

Budget – Hotel Lille Europe

Close to Lille-Flandres Station, this budget hotel looks terrific value and its helpful staff get a special mention in online reviews.

Thank you for reading my Lille day trip itinerary

Each time I have visited, I have been seduced by Lille’s grandiose Flemish architecture, its old town, the friendliness of its people and its hearty cuisine. For those taking a solo trip to France , it’s relatively safe and easy to explore. Although Lille may lack the immediate charm of other northern French cities such as Reims , Colmar  or  Strasbourg , dismiss it at your peril.

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

• 10 Incredible Things To See...

10 Incredible Things To See & Do in Lille

As the fifth largest city in all of France, Lille is full of exciting attractions — see everything from parks and gardens, to museums and churches, and be sure to read our list to discover the 10 most incredible things to see and do in Lille, France. Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille | ©phgaillard2001/Flickr

1. Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille

Palais des beaux-arts de lille.

Large French museum

Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille is one of the oldest art museums in France, first established in 18-09 on the orders of Napoleon I. The museum has the second largest collection of works in France, outside of the Louvre; it includes works by Rembrandt, El Greco, Goya, Delacroix, Raphael, and many, many more. The art spans across many different mediums, as well as periods, with pieces from the 17th-20th centuries, middle ages, and Renaissance period. With so much to see, it may be helpful to take a guided tour. However, if you like to enjoy art in solitude, there are headsets available that will deliver all the information you need, directly to your ears. Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille features a café, bookstore, library, and gift shop, and offers occasional workshops and lectures.

Price: Budget

Opening Hours: 2:00pm-6:00pm Monday, 10:00am-6:00pm Wednesday-Sunday

Watch out for: fun cultural events

Address and Telephone: 18 Rue de Valmy Lille, FR , +33 3 20 13 98 80

Lille Cathedral | ©Christophe Goessen/Flickr

2. Lille Cathedral

3. Hospice Comtesse Museum

Building, Museum

Hospice Comtesse Museum

Converted hospital

Founded in 1237, the Hospice Comtesse Museum was a hospital that provided care for the sick and terminally ill from the 15th to 18th centuries. It was established by Joan, the Countess of Flanders, and now houses Flemish art and furnishings, significant to the history of the culture. The historic pieces include everything from commissioned regal paintings and detailed sculptures, to the simple Delft tiling that lines the kitchen floor. The museum itself is an architectural beauty, as is the on-site chapel and pharmacy; the medicinal garden and courtyard are both areas of natural beauty and interesting history. By seeing things as simple as ceramics and silverware, visitors can really get a clear picture as to how people used to live. From providing healthcare centuries ago to providing knowledge of the past know, the Hospice Comtesse Museum has always been dedicated to helping others.

Price: Mid-Range

Opening Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm Monday & Wednesday-Sunday

Watch out for: guided tours

Address and Telephone: 32 Rue de la Monnaie Lille, FR , +33 3 28 36 84 00 LaM | ©antoine pasquier-desvignes/Flickr

The Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art, or LaM for short, is a modern art museum that houses nearly 5,000 pieces of incredible art. It is currently the only museum in Europe to showcase modern, contemporary, and outsider art all under one roof. Works vary in medium, but include drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, and mixed media. The LaM currently displays works from great artsists, such as Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Joan Miró. Explore all of the fantastic works displayed along the walls, then pop out to the garden to see some of the outdoor sculptures. The LaM offers guided tours so that you can learn more about each artist and their works; for even more information, check out the extensive library!

Opening Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm Tuesday-Sunday

Watch out for: special events and workshops

Address and Telephone: 1 Allée du Musée Lille, FR , +33 3 20 19 68 99 Musée d’Historie Naturelle de Lille | ©Guillaume DELEBARRE/Flickr

5. Musée d’Historie Naturelle de Lille

Musée d’historie naturelle de lille.

Natural history museum

Visit Musée d’Historie Naturelle de Lille to explore the history of the world! The history museum features exhibits on every part of the world, including the ocean and its inhabitants, space and stars, animals, insects, geology, and humans. There are so many fascinating things to learn that you can discover a lot just by wandering around — however, for more specific knowledge, take a guided tour and absorb all there is to known about the past and present of the world we live in. If you’d like a more hands-on experience, attend one of the many workshops available, both for youth and adults. Some are artistic, such as drawing and modeling, while others are educational, with topics like anatomy and fossils. Be sure to check out a few of their rotating exhibitions before they’re gone!

Opening Hours: 9:00am-Noon then 2:00pm-5:00pm Monday & Wednesday & Friday-Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm Sunday

Watch out for: special events

Address and Telephone: 19 Rue de Bruxelles Lille, FR , +33 3 28 55 30 80 Vauban Garden | ©Antoine SIPOS/Flickr

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $1,656 on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

6. Vauban Garden

Vauban garden.

Beautiful green garden

Although Vauban Garden was created by the head gardener of Paris, the public park is the perfect example of the English countryside. The garden was established in 1863, and is home to over 20,000 species of flora and fauna, including trees that over 100 years old. The park is adorned with statues of prominent Frenchman and Lille natives, and also features a goat house that has been conformed into a marionette playhouse for children. Vauban is open to pets, so bring your dog and watch him run around the grass, which spans over three hectares. Vauban Garden is a beautiful park, so stop by with the whole family to enjoy a pleasant walk, fun picnic, game of Frisbee, and more.

Opening Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Saturday

Watch out for: artists sketching

Address and Telephone: Boulevard Vauban Lille, FR , +33 3 28 36 13 50 Zebras at Parc Zoologique | ©G Morel/Flickr

7. Parc Zoologique

School, Zoo

Parc Zoologique

Sitting on 3.5 hectares of land is the Parc Zoologique de Lille. This city zoo houses nearly 350 animal inhabitants, attracting over 1 million visitors each year. There are seven animal houses for people to explore, each with their own species. Some include the aviary, ‘The Tropical House,’ ‘The Valley of the Monkeys,’ ‘Lands of America,’ and ‘Lands of Africa.’ You can see everything from zebras and pandas to peacocks and snakes. Entry to the zoo is free, so you and your entire family are able to enjoy it without worrying about the cost. Parc Zoologique is the perfect place for kids, and it’s often visited by school groups. Internships and other learning opportunities are available for older children, and are a great way to spread awareness about animals and conservation. Do your best to stop by during the summer months to attend ‘Breakfasts at the Zoo,’ a special behind-the-scenes tour that includes hot drinks and yummy pastries!

Opening Hours: 10:00am-5:00pm Monday-Sunday

Watch out for: annual holiday closure

Address and Telephone: Avenue Mathias Delobel Lille, FR , +33 3 28 52 07 00

La Gare Saint Sauveur | ©Bruno Parmentier/Flickr

8. La Gare Saint Sauveur

Bar, Restaurant

La Gare Saint Sauveur

Great multipurpose facility

Opened in 1848, La Gare Saint Sauveur was a bustling railway station that brought goods in and out of the city. After decades of lively and successful activity, the station came to a close in the early 2000s. Since then, the city has slowly transformed the 20-acre space into a thriving city center, complete with a restaurant and bar, and movie theatre. However, there is still so much space that has gone undeveloped. While the city works on occupying the rest of the space, La Gare Saint Sauveur is used as a venue for concerts, weddings, and other special events. It is most notably the location for Lille 3000, a French art and culture festival. Cities from around the world participate in celebrating, and showcasing, their culture through art. It only takes place every three years, so be sure that you don’t miss the next one! And just in case you do, La Gare Saint Sauveur is still a great place to go and be a part of the community.

Opening Hours: Noon-7:00pm Wednesday-Sunday

Watch out for: construction

Address and Telephone: Boulevard Jean Baptiste Lebas Lille, FR , +33 3 20 31 30 00

Foyer of Opéra de Lille | ©Bruno Parmentier/Flickr

9. Opéra de Lille

Opéra de lille.

Historic music hall

Built to replace its 18th century predecessor, which burned down in 1903, Opéra de Lille opened its doors in 1923. Germans occupied the neo-classical structure during World War I, and they took over most of the furnishings and interior items, before relinquishing it back to the city four years later. The music hall is designed with grand splendor, featuring a magnificent staircase, fireplace, foyer, and stage. Much of the opera house is adorned with sculptures, elegant lighting, beautiful paintings, and ornaments of gold. Enjoy a classy night out on the town by dressing up and attending a show. The orchestra is fantastic, and there is such a variety of performances that take place, you’re guaranteed to find something that amazes you. After the show, go for dinner or dessert at a nearby restaurant. Opéra de Lille is located in the city square, so there is so much to do and see in the area!

Opening Hours: Noon-7:00pm Tuesday-Saturday

Watch out for: special hours and prices for shows and performances

Address and Telephone: 2 Rue des Bons Enfants Lille, FR , +33 3 62 21 21 21 Chapel at Le Musée de Plein Air | ©Bruno Parmentier/Flickr

10. Le Musée de Plein Air

Le musée de plein air.

Outdoor museum

Le Musée de Plein Air, or The Open Air Museum, is the site of a historic village community from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Rural Heritage Association saved it from demolition back in the 1990s, and it has since been reconstructed as a living museum. Each with their own unique architectural history, explore the 20 buildings that were once vital staples of the community, including a medical house with medicinal plants and pharmaceutical objects, a craft workshop, a communal bake house, a chapel, and more. There are free, guided tours every Sunday, although the museum is also open during the week for you to explore. Surrounded by so many beautiful gardens, the museum is frequently used as a venue for concerts, festivals, and other special events. Be sure to look into attending a workshop on woodworking, baking bread, construction, gardening, and many others.

Opening Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm Wednesday-Saturday, 10:00am-7:00pm Sunday

Watch out for: great for families!

Address and Telephone: 143 Rue Colbert Lille, FR , +33 3 61 26 97 44 By: Shyla Watson

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

See & Do

Best places to visit in france from the uk.

Food & Drink

The best food to eat in the french alps.

Amazing Day Trips to Take Around Brittany by Boat

A Guide to Sailing in and Around France

The Most Beautiful Castles to Visit in Normandy, France

Amazing Day Trips to Take Around Corsica by Boat

Must-Visit Food Markets in France

Places to Stay

The top spas to book in historic french cities.

Why Dijon Is the Perfect French Weekend Getaway

The Top French Dishes You Need to Try

Secret Alternatives to Busy Marinas in the French Riviera for Avoiding the Crowds

A Guide to Sailing in Charente-Maritime, France

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,656 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 509190
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

How to Make the Most of a Day Trip to Lille, France

Disclosure: This post (probably) contains affiliate links. If you click on one, I may make a small commission. Of course, this will come at no extra cost to you and helps keep this site running.

During my visits to Belgium , each time I looked at the map for trip ideas, one city kept drawing my eye. And it wasn’t a Belgian city. No, my eye kept crawling just across the border to the French city of Lille far in the country’s north. Upon returning to Belgium the idea of making a day trip to Lille grew too hard to resist. Ultimately visiting Lille proved to be a great decision as it allowed me to see a completely different side of France .

A modern city with a historical core, there’s no shortage of things to do in Lille. The fifth largest urban area in France, Lille is not a ‘lil destination. A day trip here works if you’re short on time, but several days in the city won’t go to waste. But if you’re committed to a Lille day trip from Paris or Belgium then here’s how you can make the most of it.

Table of Contents

How to Do a Day Trip to Lille

Trains from Belgium , whether it’s from Ghent or Brussels, arrive in at Lille Flandres station. From both Ghent or Brussels to Lille by train takes around an hour. Since you’re travelling between two Schengen and Euro-using countries, the trip shouldn’t be too complicated. Alternatively, you could be coming from Paris for the day, with the option of taking either the train or going by Flixbus .

Another way is to rent a car , ensuring it’s okay to take it into France. Either way, remember to bring your passport since you are indeed leaving the country.

Feeling a little uninspired when it came to finding somewhere for lunch, we ended up at Le Pain Quotidien on Rue Basse . A chain of bakery/restaurants also found in Belgium, the food and coffee there was pretty good so it was a decent choice after all.

While waiting for our train back, we also stepped into Les 3 Brasseurs , a pub across from the station for a beer. Often establishments around train stations can be quite rough and substandard but the area around Lille Flandres seemed to be an exception.

If you decide not to visit just for the day, Lille is home to a wide range of choices in hotels, hostels and guesthouses , much like any big city.

Start with the Place du Théâtre

Unless you’re planning on doing a walking tour of Lille , you’ll want a plan for sightseeing around the city. When arriving at Lille Flandres Station by train the best starting point for your day is just several blocks away at Place du Theatre .

It’s here on this central square that you can immediately begin to absorb some of the city’s more impressive sights. A quick suggestion as you make your way there is to divert your route past the eye-catching Paroisse Saint Maurice church.

The real show begins though once you set foot on Place du Theatre and take a quick look around. There’s the city’s grand neo-classical Opera House , the reaching spire of the CCI Grand Lille building , not to mention the classic architecture of the Hotel Carlton across the way.

Yet the building most likely to garner attention is La Vieille Bourse , a sublime renaissance building that once housed the old stock exchange. It’s expressive facade and ornate inner courtyard are sure to draw looks of admiration. Built in the mid-17th century, it certainly sticks out among its more recent neighbours.

On the far side of the Vieille Bourse lies the Place Charles de Gaulle , an even larger square lined with more interesting architecture. More notable here though is the large  Colonne de la Déesse that memorializes the 1792 siege of the city. But even this landmark is essentially overshadowed by the massive  La Grande Roue ferris wheel that dominates the square. Personally not sure whether it’s a positive addition to the space but oh well.

Notre Dame de la Treille Cathedral

Suitably impressed by the heart of the city, it’s best to move on through to Vieux Lille – Old Lille – with the Notre Dame de la Treille Cathedral first stop. At first glance, the Lille Cathedral doesn’t invite much confidence.

The building’s exterior appears to be made from concrete and stone, and really lacks much aesthetic appeal. This underwhelming exterior exists because of the drawn out and financially troubled construction of the building. Started in 1854, the construction of the cathedral wasn’t completed until 1999!

As I said though, this is all just at first glance. Venture inside the cathedral and you find a vastly different story. Since most aspects of the cathedral is so fresh, there’s been no time for the interior artwork or stained-glass windows to deteriorate. Thus, in the dim halls of the Lille Cathedral you’re treated to some extraordinarily beautiful scenes.

Back outside, it’s worth doing a quick lap around the building, if only to admire the pleasant and colourful little townhouses found there.

Streets of Vieux Lille

Although visiting in winter didn’t seem to come with much downside, I would love to see what the streets of Vieux Lille are like in summer. Their bright, cheerful architecture felt at odds with the gloom and grey that it hard to shake during European winters. The red brick buildings emboldened with splashes of colour including bunting hanging overhead really made it seem like somewhere that’d be fun and lively in better weather.

It’s possible to take a guided walking tour of Vieux Lille so that you really get a feel for the place.

Citadel of Lille

As soon as I looked at a map of Lille, I spied somewhere I wanted to visit. The jagged outlines of a fortified moat were unmistakable and sure enough, what I was looking at was the Citadel of Lille .

This 17th century citadel was designed by Vauban, a renowned for his masterful design of military fortifications. As the citadel actively hosts France’s rapid reaction forces headquarters, there are understandable limits on public access.

Still, the Citadel of Lille is surrounded by an immense park that also hosts the city zoo. The paths and trails through the park seemed extremely popular with local fit people, all out exercising despite the winter chill.

We settled instead on a short walk along the citadel’s moats, soaking in the awesome winter vibes on display. The still moat water in particular made for some great reflections.

Place de la République

Somewhere that we definitely didn’t spend enough time exploring was the few blocks around Place de la Republique . Although the square isn’t much to look at on its own, it’s what’s around the square that is so enticing. For starters there’s the palatial government offices for the  Prefecture Du Nord at one end and the  Palais des Beaux Arts at the other.

By all accounts, this fine art museum is meant to be superb and one of the best places to visit in Lille. Unfortunately, time is a factor with day trips and we made the executive decision to not go. No question that visiting this museum is at the top of my list for next time though.

Just a short walk from Place de la Republique down the city’s boulevards lies the monumental Porte de Paris . While I imagine this triumphal arch is quite the sight normally, we had the misfortune of finding it half-covered in scaffolding. Truly one of my greatest bugbears of travel! Anyway, the arch commemorates the “other” siege of Lille in 1667. Truth be told, google “siege of Lille” and the number of dates is truly staggering.

The Belfries of Lille

It’s time for one hard truth about the essential things to do in Lille – the city’s belfries really aren’t one. Yes, Lille is home to two UNESCO world heritage listed belfries and neither frankly left a major impression on me. In their favour though is the fact that both benefit from quite distinctive designs and aren’t just more of the same.

The first belfry is the narrow bell tower on the Lille Town Hall , situated right by the Porte de Paris. At 104 metres high, the tower can be climbed by stairs or via lift for panoramic views.

Except, it turns out, during the lunch hour from 1-2pm when it’s closed, which is when we arrived. Impatient to wait around, we pressed on to the other belfry of Lille. You could book tickets online for the tower, but it’s not clear if that’s still possible.

Well, the second belfry isn’t really in Lille proper, but rather the outer suburb of Loos. Found on the local town hall Hôtel de Ville de Loos , it may be one of Belgium’s shortest UNESCO belfries. Taking a local bus out from the city centre to see it felt a little like a waste of time honestly. That’s not to say that it isn’t an elegant building, but after snapping a few photos, we basically left again.

Would you like to make a day trip to Lille during your next visit to Belgium? If you’ve visited the city before, what were your thoughts and favourite Lille things to do? Please share in the comments below.

David is the author behind the Travelsewhere travel blog and is always on the search for the quieter, less-visited corners of the world.

You may also like

A quick sightseeing guide to visiting avignon, france, 5 reasons to visit the basque city of bayonne, france, 5 terrific reasons to visit montpellier, france, how to spend one day in beziers, france, 6 tips to comfortably visiting toulouse, france, 8 sights to see with a day in nimes, france, 11 comments.

Beautiful town! Love the architecture, and the colors on the houses. Great photos! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard

Such majestic buildings do command one’s respect, so much fine workmanship in all the exterior and interior details. But I like the simple yet colorful townhomes you show us in this post. I like seeing everyday people going about their lives in smaller cities like this one. #TheWeeklyPostcard.

I feel guilty now. I have been to Lille many times for Christmas shopping but it seems I missed a lot of other nice things. Next time! #TheWeeklyPostcard

The only reason I’ve heard of Lille is from The DaVinci Code book! (Should I be embarrassed to admit that… probably… lol.) I’m obsessed with the architecture though! It looks like it is the perfect blend of all the grand squares and building I love in Belgium and the beautiful, classic architecture of France! That stained glass is lovely. You did a great job capturing it, too! I know it can be difficult to do that with the ever-changing light in a cathedral! #TheWeeklyPostcard

Looks like a lovely city for a day trip or a weekend! It’s funny we had Le Pain Quotidien in New York so I have eaten there several times. Food is good, but it’s pricey. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.

it looks very beautiful #TheWeeklyPostcard

Haha love you lil’ pun! What a pretty city but sad that you felt the two belfries weren’t that exciting and that the tallest one was closed for lunch! I bet the view would have been amazing! Thanks David for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!

I visited Lille during Christmas , have not had a chance to explore the city much. But I loved the Vieux Lille and loved the architecture. And my favourite memory was to tasting the Marveilleux from Aux Marveilleux. I would love to visit the city again sometime and explore the rest. Thank you very much for your post , it reminded me of the wonderful dessert. Happy travelling. #theweeklypostcard

Streets of Vieux Lille look so charming! I´ve only been to Paris, French Riviera, Strasbourg/Colmar and Biarritz – so it would be great to explore the different part of France! I didn’t realize Lille was so close to Belgium – would love to visit one day! #TheWeeklyPostcard

You’ve reconfirmed our suspicions that we should head north on our next trip to France! What a gorgeous town – and coupled with Belgium, it sounds like a great few days. Pinning this one for later. Thanks David!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Here’s Your Complete Cheat Sheet To Lille

• MEET THE TEAM
• PRIVACY POLICY
• TERMS OF USE

Lille, capital of Les Hauts-de-France.

Lille is only a train ride away from Paris , making it the perfect destination for a long weekend! This city offers a diverse and rich cultural heritage: museums, classic restaurants, bars, boutiques, the Old Lille…and much more. If you want to know the quintessentials and the best addresses, keep reading! We’ve already published 5 Of The Best Must-See Sights In Lille , but this cheat sheet also includes memorable restaurants and hotels.

HOW TO GET THERE

If you are coming from the capital, the best choice would be to take the train. Lille is a very dense town, therefore you will not need a car for the trip. Since Lille-Paris is a one-hour train ride. There are two train stations when you arrive: Gare Lille-Flandres, and Gare Lille-Europe; both are ideally located in the middle of the city.

When you arrive in the north, the city proposes City Passes for either 24, 48, or 72 hours. With this pass you can visit almost 30 sites, and have an unlimited access to the subway, and the bus. A perfect solution if you are here for one weekend!

Braderie , flea market in French.

2 bis rue frédéric mottez, 59800 lille, france.

This French-renowned braderie is a must-do! This colorful flea market is the largest in France and attracts numerous people every year. It takes place during the first weekend of September, in the paved streets of Old Lille. The speciality of this weekend? Almost every restaurant in town serves mussels and fries. Imagine, sitting in the sun, laughing with your friends while enjoying a delicious seafood platter. Can you see it?

In one weekend, you can shop (for low prices,) party until your feet hurt, and have a great time.

The Vieille Bourse , old stock exchange in French.

Place charles de gaulle, 59000 lille, france.

You cannot miss this historic monument. Located in the middle of Place Charles de Gaulle, the old stock exchange is home to all kinds of merchants. You can buy posters, rare books, old newspapers…etc. If you are lucky, you will even be a bystander to a chess game or a tango class. This open-air building dates back to 1910 and is one of the most prestigious monuments in Lille. When you first step into it, you will be amazed at the golden details on the columns and the sculpted stone on the interior facades.

The Citadel Park.

Voie piétonne du bois de la deûle, 59130 lille, france.

Imagine Central Park but in Lille (not as glamourous.) This enormous park is situated right in the middle of the city surrounded by the Deule river. You can jog, pay a visit to the zoo, walk your dog, have a nice stroll, and even picnic. In the center of the park, lies a fort. Originally, the citadel was a military base built in 1667. Nowadays, you still cannot access the fort, however, you can see it. It is a very impressive monument due to its architecture, and natural preservation.

Charles de Gaulle’s childhood home .

9 rue princesse, 59000 lille, france.

Charles de Gaulle – French hero, president, and symbol of the 5 th Republic – grew up in Lille. You can find his home: 9 rue Princesse. This house was first opened to the public in 1983 and is a property of the Charles De Gaulle Foundation. According to the official website, more than 20,000 people came to visit the museum in 2019.

Home to family reunions, birthdays, and events; you can dive into this war hero’s childhood. This museum also hosts projections, demonstrations of famous fights, and even tours in historical costumes.

Le Musée la Piscine, the swimming pool museum in French.

23 rue de l'espérance, 59100 roubaix, france.

Le Musée la Piscine – located in Roubaix, a little town on the outskirts of Lille – is one of a kind. This old pool (hence its name) was the work of the architect Albert Baert and is now transformed into an art museum. Today, the museum of Art and Industry is filled with every form of creativity, including: sculptures, paintings, drawings, and photographs. You will also discover that the museum hosts: conferences, classes from L’Ecole du Louvre (a prestigious art school in Paris,) a restaurant, as well as a tea salon.

Eve studied in Lille for three years.

The city of Lille is brimming with great restaurants. There is something for everyone: local, Italian, crêperie, food court, and many more. For a delicious afternoon snack, go to Aux Merveilleux de Fred , a must-eat in Lille!!

27 rue esquermoise, 59000 lille.

You cannot miss this fabulous pastry shop in Old Lille due to its never-ending line at the door! It is not only a pastry shop, but also a restaurant, a tea salon, and a bar. The House of Meert was built in 1761, with vanilla waffle at the origin of its resounding success. Chef Truy-Courties offers rich and gourmet dishes, such as: truffle risotto, Mayenne duck, Caesar salad, and numerous more. Every product is carefully chosen, and local. You can enjoy these appetizing dishes on the terrace. During the afternoon, sip on a beverage in the tea salon. Founded in 1909, the tea salon has a particular architecture which resembles the style of Louis the 16 th . In this historical monument, indulge in a hot or cold drink with a little sweetness from the patisserie : the vanilla waffle!

95 Rue Solférino, 59800 Lille

This restaurant has charmed us due to its folkloric decor and typical dishes. You won’t find a more regional eatery in Lille than this one. For more than 30 years, La Ducasse has been a reference. The service is quick, perfect for a lunch break! The restaurant’s two rooms welcome you with an “old-fashioned brasserie”-style décor. It may be loud, but the convivial ambiance makes it the ideal spot to discover the “real” Lille. The menu will make you salivate, as you enjoy Flemish specialties, including: the potjevleesh, carbonade, and Welsh rarebit. The dishes are traditional and copious, always accompanied by a beer!

Le Barbue d’Anvers

1 rue saint-etienne, 59800 lille.

Located in Old Lille, this estaminet , or tavern, is set in a bucolic ambiance. Between the massif wooden staircase, the dark beams, and the numerous candles; this restaurant has an indisputable appeal. The edifice is from the 17 th century and hidden inside, a small courtyard. It is a must, both for residents of Lille and for those who wish to discover the “true” town. The restaurants accommodates in three different areas: a vaulted cellar, a room mainly made out of wood, and a mezzanine floor if you wish to have privacy. Le Barbue d’Anvers delivers traditional Flemish cuisine with typical dishes, including: the potjevleesh, Welsch, Waterzoi…etc. The dishes are generously garnished, and impeccably well-presented.

We suggest staying in the center of Lille, as you will want to enjoy the dynamic heart of the city. The recommended districts are: Old Lille, La Grande Place, and near the train stations. These three neighborhoods are packed with beautiful hotels and are at a walking distance from the hub.

Le couvent des minimes, 17 quai du wault, 59800 lille.

This former convent is ideally placed in front of the Quai du Wault, a water inlet from Deûle river. The site was established in 1618, and officially transformed into a hotel in 1990. It is registered as a historical monument since 1977. Le Couvent des Minimes is definitely a rare hotel, with its cloister and 2,500m² interior court. The bar, restaurant, as well as the luxurious salon; are all located inside the cloister, surmounted by a huge pyramid-shaped glass roof. The rooms are contemporary and elegant, offering a pleasant view on the body of water. In the morning, enjoy a breakfast buffet filled with regional and fresh products from the local market. This hotel is definitely worth staying at due to its surprising architecture, and its proximity to the center of Lille.

Bateau Orca: Houseboat in the center of Lille

Allée carolus, bois blancs, 59000 lille, france.

What if you slept on a boat? Instead of staying at a hotel, you can stay on the Orca boat situated near the Lille zoo while spending the weekend on the Deûle river! Lodging on a boat does not mean discomfort. In fact, quite the opposite. The Orca boat provides: a terrace, garden, free parking, Wi-Fi, and many more. The cabins are spacious, private, and very well accommodated; there’s everything you need in order to have a soothing stay.

With its perfect placement on the water and being at a walking distance from the center of Lille, the Orca boat is an unusual but a peaceful bed-and-breakfast you must stay at!

Clarance Hôtel

32 rue de la barre, 59800 lille.

The five-star hotel embodies both simplicity and chicness. Established in Old Lille near most restaurants, bars, and shops; the building dates back to the 18 th century when it was occupied by a countess. Apart from its lavish architecture, the hotel has many advantages, including: a one-starred Michelin restaurant, a bar, and a 300 m² garden – which houses a vegetable garden and fruit trees. For a cultural approach, the Clarance hotel offers a modern art exhibition – for the benefit of customers- in the hallways, and the rooms. The personnel is friendly and pampers you during the entire stay. The hotel is composed of 19 rooms and 3 suites, each one is uniquely decorated with a mix of modern touches and 18 th century classicism.

Eve lived in Lille for 3 years.

Eve McGuardian

Contributor.

Eve was born and raised in NYC and later on, moved to Paris. She grew up in an international home and is fluent in both French and English. Every chance she gets, she travels; either to discover a new culture or as a volunteer in an organization. The most memorable cities she has been to are: Ischia, a little island off the coast of Naples for the people, Istanbul for the culture, and Paris for the architecture.

Jetset Times in your inbox

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and European users agree to the data transfer policy.

11 Delicious Restaurants In Kyoto That You’ve Gotta Try

5 Things You Didn’t Know About The Italian Villa Where Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Stayed

10 Amazing Things To Do In Kyoto, Japan

8 Super Fun Nightclubs In Lisbon

A Neighborhood Guide In Muscat: Where Travelers Should Stay

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.  

Lille travel tips: Where to go and what to see in 48 hours

This northern french city has a stunning modernist mansion on its outskirts to complement its atmospheric flemish old town. simon calder makes a return trip, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

Travel essentials

Why go now?

This summer, northern France has acquired a new national monument, in the spectacular shape of Villa Cavrois – a 1930s modernist château just outside Lille. It constitutes an excellent incentive for a first or repeat visit to this French city with Flemish heritage. Lille has much else to offer: art, architecture and cuisine in abundance.

The obvious approach from South-east England is by Eurostar (08432 186 186; eurostar.com ) from London St Pancras, Ebbsfleet and Ashford to Lille-Europe station (1). taking 80 minutes from London. From elsewhere, you could fly to Paris and take the one-hour TGV train journey to the terminus of Lille-Flandres (2) – a five-minute walk from the Eurostar station (1). The façade of this fine terminus was the original Gare du Nord in Paris, and was moved north brick-by-brick.

Get your bearings

From Gare Lille-Flandres (2), Rue Faidherbe aims west to the city's two central squares: the Place du Théâtre (3), dominated by the opera house, and Place General de Gaulle (4), also known as the Grand Place, with "the goddess" at the centre. Note the fine newspaper building, La Voix du Nord.

Between the two squares stands the last great Flemish creation in Lille, the 1653 stock exchange, La Vieille Bourse (5). During the day you can wander through the courtyard. Vieux Lille, the old Flemish town created in the 16th and 17th centuries, spreads north and west from here.

The atmospheric tourist office (6) is located in a surviving fragment of a late Gothic palace, the Palais Rihour, on Place Rihour (00 33 3 59 57 94 00; lilletourism.com ; open 9am to 6.30pm daily, Sundays 10am to 4.30pm). It is rather hidden behind the city's huge war memorial. Head up the stone steps for a glimpse of what remains of the former private chapel.

As a business centre, Lille's hotels are most in demand from Monday to Thursday, meaning that weekenders can find some good deals. The Hôtel Brueghel (7), overlooking the Gothic St-Maurice church at 5 Parvis St-Maurice (00 33 3 20 06 06 69; hotel-brueghel.com ), is an excellent choice. It has a homely, wood-panelled lobby, and 64 simple but comfortable rooms; a double costs €114.

Within Vieux Lille, the stylish Hôtel de La Treille (8) is well located at 7 Place Louise de Bettignies (00 33 3 20 55 45 46; hoteldelatreille.com ), though some of the rooms – typically costing around €112 for a double – can feel somewhat cramped.

For sheer practicality, the modern three-star Hôtel Lille Europe (9) on Avenue Le Corbusier (00 33 3 28 36 76 76; hotel-lille-europe.com ) is midway between the two railway stations. A double room costs around €100 at weekends.

As is usual in France, hotel rates quoted here do not include breakfast.

Click here to see a bigger image of the map

Take a view

The 1932 Art Deco Belfry (10) is a folly attached to the Hôtel de Ville, designed by Emile Dubuisson as a spectacular piece of civic aggrandisement when Lille was the northern powerhouse of France. At the time, its height (104m) was comparable to skyscrapers being built in New York. It uses brick and reinforced concrete to great effect to provide a beacon for the city – "The Pride of Flanders", as it was called at its inauguration.

To visit, follow the Beffroi signs into the main town hall. Pay €6 for the chance to walk up 109 stairs to reach the lift to the top, from which you can see a wide architectural repertoire and, beyond, the industrial archaeology of French Flanders. It opens 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm daily, except Sunday.

Take a hike

The closest monument you'll see from the Belfry is the 17th-century Porte de Paris (11), built as the gate to the capital to honour Louis XIV's capture of Lille from the Flemish. This triumphal arch was once part of the city walls, but now stands isolated in the middle of a roundabout.

The Rue de Paris runs north from here. For the first kilometre it won't thrill, but once you enter the Place de Théâtre (3) the impressive range of Lille's heritage is revealed. Here, look out above La Cloche for a cartoon-like figure beneath a bell.

The square funnels into Rue Pelletier, and so should you. Follow Rue Masurel around and you come face to face with the strange façade of the Cathedral (12) – best visited for Sunday Mass. Turn left then right along a cobbled street leading to the pretty Place aux Oignons (13).

Lunch on the run

The estaminet is a Flemish creation: a friendly local bar with farmhouse furniture and a short but appealing menu. On the Place aux Oignons (13), Au Vieux de la Vielle (14) (00 33 3 20 13 81 64; estaminetlille.fr ) is a cosy and cheery place packed on weekdays by locals and at weekends by tourists. The €10 salads are good, and service is speedy.

Window shopping

Many old weavers' cottages in Vieux Lille have been converted into independent shops – with big windows, resulting from the original need to move looms in and out. As the former textile capital of France, Lille still has a strong design tradition, with Rue Lepelletier and Rue Basse offering plenty of choice. Where they meet, Lille's civic sweet tooth is in evidence on opposite corners: Paul (15), the patisserie that began in Croix just outside Lille in 1889; and Paul Hermand, vendor of macaroons for a couple of centuries.

For more treats, Aux Merveilleux (16) at 67 Rue de la Monnaie makes and sells Lille's meringue, whipped cream and chocolate "marvels". These treats are gaining a global reputation; a branch has just opened in Manhattan.

An aperitif

Sip a crisp white wine while downing half a dozen oysters (€26) in the Art Deco surroundings of A l'Huitrière (17), in Vieux Lille at 3 rue des Chats Bossus (00 33 3 20 55 43 41; huitriere.fr ). This handsome fishmonger's is decorated with tiles that depict fruits de mer.

Dining with the locals

Lille's "Restaurant Row" is Rue du Gand – the old road to Ghent, culminating at the Flemish fortification of Porte de Gand. The optimum choice, best booked in advance, is a sister restaurant to the lunch option: Chez la Vielle (18) at No 60 (00 33 3 28 36 40 06). A reliable alternative is Les Ptiots (19) at No 35 (00 33 3 20 74 22 68).

At either you can choose between two hearty Flemish specialities: carbonnades flamandes (beef slow-cooked in beer) or Welsh – a tasty, filling local take on Welsh rarebit. The bill for two, with a pichet of wine, is around €30.

A walk in the park

Parc Henri Matisse fills the space between the south-east flank of Vieux Lille and the railway stations. Its most impressive element is the handsome Porte de Roubaix (20). It merges with the Place François Mitterrand, honouring the president who did much to replenish Lille – including routing Eurostar via the city.

Out to brunch

Be Yourself (21) opened three years ago at 2 Square Morisson to deliver fresh, tasty food in colourful surroundings. A buffet brunch is served 10am to 5pm on Sundays, price €15. Take your coffee, croissant, orange juice and salmon bagel to one of the communal tables on the upper floor.

Go to church

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de la Treille (12) is one of France's most fascinating. Said to have been founded in 1066, it was destroyed after the French Revolution. Reconstruction began in 1854, but took 145 years. In July and August, it opens from noon to 8pm daily, but you can get in before that for Sunday Mass at 11am (00 33 3 20 31 59 12; cathedralelille.com ).

Take a ride

Lille has its own driverless Métro, which provides good views at above-ground sections. Even better is the tram that runs north of the city to the nearby towns of Tourcoing and Roubaix, from both of Lille's railway stations. Buy a rechargeable "Pass Pass" ticket loaded with two journeys (€1.50 each, plus €0.20 for the card) and board a Roubaix tram. Villa Cavrois, has its own tram stop.

Cultural afternoon

The newly opened Villa Cavrois (00 33 3 20 73 47 12; villa-cavrois.fr ) distils the essence of modernism in a single, sleek structure set among elegant gardens. In the 1980s it was abandoned and left to decay, despite the calls of a young lawyer, Paul-Hervé Parsy, for it to be rescued.

Three decades on, the property is a national monument and M. Parsy is the administrator. The architect Robert Mallet-Stevens has created harmonious spaces full of light and intriguing corners such as the smoking room. The grounds contain pools that reflect the clean geometry of the villa (open 10.30am to 6.30pm daily, except Tuesday, admission €7.50).

Icing on the cake

Most travellers using Lille-Europe station (1) only see the side leading to the centre, and miss an amazing piece of public art in the shape of a mural that wraps around the interior walls north of the tracks. It takes you on a tour of the world, with images from Tower Bridge to the Sydney Opera House.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Lille travel guide

Lille tourism | lille guide, you're going to love lille.

Once an industrial city, Lille has reinvented itself as a cultural and business hub, with a metropolitan area that straddles the France/Belgium border along the Deûle River. Streets within the beautifully restored city center are lined with Neoclassical and Gothic Revival architecture. Add a sizzling dining scene and a fashionista's selection of boutiques and stores, and it's the perfect city escape.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Lille

1. explore history.

With evidence of civilization that dates back 4,000 years, the city's historic buildings reflect various eras of French and Flemish history from the Middle Ages on, and include the La Vieille Bourse (1653) and Opéra de Lille (1923).

2. Scintillating Arts and Culture

The art collection at the renowned Palais des des Beaux-Arts de Lille includes pieces from the 15th to 20th centuries. There is also a lively performing arts and theater scene to discover.

3. Eats and Sweets

There is a longstanding culinary tradition in this city, offering everything from fine dining to gourmet street food, including a specialty in classic French and Belgian patisseries or pastries, cakes, chocolates, and waffles.

4. Shop Till You Drop

From shopping malls full of the latest designer clothes to open-air markets and chic boutiques, there is something for everyone's budget and taste.

5. Hot Nightlife Scene

The city's nightlife is busy and varied, including dance clubs and live music venues, bars and cocktail lounges, with a strong youthful component due to the large university student population.

What to do in Lille

1. lille grand palais: lille's main event.

Located right at the heart of Lille, the Grand Palais is a post-modern masterpiece. Created by celebrity architects Cecil Balmond and Rem Koolhaas, the building is an attraction in itself, but it also hosts massive conferences and major concerts at the on-site Zenith Arena. Events like Art Up! turn the Palais into a wonderland for contemporary art fans, while the Kids Parc in February and March offers an endless array of games and exhibits for kids to enjoy. No matter when you get to Lille, it's always worth checking out what the center has to offer.

2. Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille: A World Class Gallery for Little Ol' Lille

A completely different sort of "palais", this fabulous fine art museum can be found on the elegant Place de la Republique and is Lille's premier cultural attraction. Lille may not be a massive city, but this collection would suit far larger destinations with its wide range of masterpieces. From Monet's "Houses of Parliament" to Rodin's "Descent into Hell", you'll find Impressionist paintings, modernist sculpture, and much more.

3. Place du Général-de-Gaulle: A Beautiful Bourse on a Sublime Square

Crowned by the Column of the Goddess and its burbling fountain commemorating the Siege of Lille by Austrian forces in 1792, the Place du Général-de-Gaulle is Lille's civic focal point and one of the most elegant of its kind in France. The memorial is beautiful, but it's the nearby Stock Exchange that really takes visitors' breaths away. Built in the 1650s, the "Vielle Bourse" is a gorgeous construction with Spanish-style arches and an interior courtyard where booksellers set up shop. And when you're done exploring the Bourse, there are plenty of restaurants lining the square as well, making it somewhere that almost every visitor passes by.

4. Hospice Comtesse: Keeping Flemish History Alive

A few hundred meters north of the Place du General-de-Gaulle, you'll come across the Hospice Comtesse - one of Lille's finest museums. The hospice itself was opened in 1236, but the current building dates back to the 1600s, which was a golden age for Lille's civic architects. These days, the hospice has gone, and the interior has been given over to a magical historical museum. Tapestries, puppets, paintings, and everyday objects conjure up a vision of what life there was like 400 years ago.

5. Lille Cathedral: A Divine Modern Cathedral

Situated on the Place Gilleson about 100 meters south of the Hospice Comtesse, you simply can't miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille. The idea for Lille's cathedral took root in the 1850s, and construction on the huge edifice continued slowly, before grinding to a halt in the 1920s. Thankfully, the local government stepped in during the 1990s to complete what is now a stunning religious structure. Be sure to enter the church to see the astonishing play of light through the metal and marble facade.

Where to Eat in Lille

Méert has been serving kings and commoners delicious waffles - or gaufres - made with vanilla from Madagascar since 1761, starting at EUR3. Enjoy the intriguing Flemish fusion dishes at La Petite Table, starting at EUR1.

When to visit Lille

With its seasonal climate, most tourists choose to visit the city from spring through fall, or April to October, when average temperatures range between 60 and 75 degrees.

How to Get to Lille

Lille Airport (LIL) has convenient connections throughout Europe and within France. There is direct bus service that runs to the downtown area at EUR7.

Lille is a major European train hub, with many connections anywhere within the continent, including a 1-hour direct trip to and from Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.

Lille has highway connections throughout France and northern Europe, including Autoroute A27 to Liège and eventually Germany, and Autoroute A1 to Paris.

FlixBus and OUIBUS are two of the major bus companies providing connections from Lille throughout Europe.

Airports near Lille

Airlines serving lille, where to stay in lille.

Stay in the historic Brueghel Hotel, with its beautifully ornate exterior and modern furnishings, located in the heart of the city. The Hotel Kanaï offers spacious rooms in a pedestrian-only area of the historic city center.

Popular Neighborhoods in Lille

Vieux-Lille - this is the Old Town, where you will find architectural gems like the Notre Dame de la Treille church and opera house, along with boutique and souvenir shopping, and multiple dining options.

Lille-Centre - the more modern heart of the city is where you will find a busy district of theaters, restaurants, and nightlife venues.

Wazemmes - this area southwest of the downtown is home to a casual dining and nightlife scene, along with the huge indoor/outdoor Marche de Wazemmes flea market at Place Nouvelle Aventure.

Where to stay in popular areas of Lille

Most booked hotels in lille, how to get around lille, public transportation.

Transpole provides buses, trams, and train system both under and above ground, providing extensive service throughout the city and suburbs. Fares start at EUR1.60, with a 10-ride card available for EUR14.

Taxis are plentiful throughout the downtown area. Fares start at EUR5, increasing by EUR1.90 for every 0.60 miles.

Driving is feasible in the city, although parking is at a premium in some areas. A compact rental starts at about EUR27.

The Cost of Living in Lille

Shopping streets.

Rue de Béthune in the old city is lined with small shops and boutiques. The ultramodern Euralille shopping mall is located on Avenue Willy Brandt, east of downtown.

Groceries and Other

Carrefour can be found in the city. A quart of milk costs about EUR1.10, and a dozen eggs will cost roughly EUR2.75.

Lille travel guide

Visit Lille (Hauts-de-France, France)

Lille is a major city in north-eastern France, close to the frontier with Belgium. It is a substantial city, and the centre of the largest conurbation in this region of France.

Following the industrial revolution of the 19th century Lille fell into the same problems of decline that affected many such cities. In recent years it has made great efforts to revive itself and make the most of its character, and is now perhaps the most important tourist destination in this part of France. This 'rebirth' was celebrated in 2004 when the city was European City of Culture.

Explore Lille

Many of the interesting buildings and monuments in the city have been given a new lease of life in recent years. The most interesting part of a visit to Lille now is centred around the 'old centre', a substantial district containing numerous 17th and 18th century townhouses and other buildings, in a regenerated region of the town.

Allow plenty of time to explore the streets of the old town because there are numerous places of interest, squares where you can pause, and historical houses.

Start your visit to this part of Lille in the large open square called La Grand Place. The square is surrounded by numerous interesting buildings and gives a fascinating introduction to the architecture of the town.

Most important among these buildings (and the highlight of a visit to Lille) is the 'Vieille Bourse' . The Vieille Bourse is a fine 17th century building composed of 24 identical houses surrounding a large inner courtyard. These  impressively decorated houses are now mostly shops at ground level and have some of the most intricate arcades to be found. There are numerous carvings and statues on the buildings.

This beautiful courtyard is often used to stage events such as second-hand book fairs and demonstrations of tango dancing.

Also on the Grand Place you will notice the flemish-style building with the triangular facade. This is the Grande Garde and was built in 1717. Decorating its facade is the sun emblem of Louis XIV.

The Chamber of Commerce is situated at the entrance to the Boulevard Carnot and has a belfry that is 76 meters high: from the square you can see the tall belfry of the chamber of commerce standing above the buildings. Listen out for the bells ringing as they often play typically northern tunes such as "Le P'tit Quinquin"!

Next to the Chamber of Commerce the Opera House was built in 1907 following a fire in the previous theatre. Inside the "salle à l'Italienne" is one of the last examples to be built in France.

The 15th century Palais Rihour (where you will find Lille Tourist office) is another impressive building. It too was damaged by fire early in the 20th century but has been extensively rebuilt.

One of our favourite parts of Lille is the area known as "Vieille Lille" or "Old Lille" and is particularly attractive. Its 17th century houses have a distinctly Flemish style and the buildings often have colourful facades. The "Place aux Oignon" is a very attractive square, surrounded by bars and restaurants making it a perfect refreshment stop.

A more recent addition to the architectural heritage in Lille is the town hall, built in the early decades of the 19th century. It is most notable for its high belfry which is 104 meters high. It is one of the more than 50 belfries in the region which as a group have UNESCO World Heritage classification.

There is a substantial cathedral in Lille, the cathedral Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille, built in the 20th century that is of passing interest.

Another substantial construction is Vauban's citadelle, said to be the strongest in France and surrounded by parkland, well maintained and open for limited visiting.

Some remnants of the fortifications that once surrounded the old town can still be seen, and gateways along their length - of varying stature from the very old Noble Tower, through the entrance gates at Porte de Roubaix and Porte de Gand, to the grandiose structure and decoration of the Porte de Paris (the current Porte de Paris replaces the original, more modest, entrance that stood here).

Lille museums

There are several museums of note in Lille, but one stands far ahead of the others in terms of interest and visitor numbers. Lille Museum of Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux-Arts) is the second most popular museum in France (the Louvre is number 1) and contains a very wide selection of paintings covering all art-forms and most artists from the 16th century to the 20th century.

Other museums in Lille include:

• the Museum of Natural History
• Museum of the Hospice Comtesse - an interesting look at life here in the 14th-17th centuries (in a very attractive 13th century Flemish building)
• Museum of the Cannoniers - shows the military importance of Lille and the battles and attacks it underwent

Lille markets

There are several weekly markets in Lille including:

• the unmissable market here is the Wazemmes Market, where an innumerable number of stands cater to an innumerable number of visitors, with a very wide range of food products and other items available. One of the largest markets in France, it is open on Place de la Nouvelle Aventure on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings. Be sure to buy some of the local cheese - 'Vieux Lille' - while you are there.
• the Arts Market at place des Archives (Sunday morning) is a good place to see (and buy) arts, crafts, paintings etc.
• the Lille christmas market is also among the most poular of the markets held in the run-up to Christmas across northern France.

Public gardens in Lille

• To the south of the town are the extensive Botanical Gardens, and an impressive tropical greenhouse
• The pretty English style gardens at Vauban Garden are a haven of peace in the city
• The extensive Citadel Park associated with Lille Zoo covers a very large area, with the trees in the Bois de Boulogne being one of the highlights

Places to visit nearby

More UNESCO classified belfries can be seen at Aire sur la Lys , Arras , Cambrai and Boulogne-sur-Mer .

Explore elsewhere in the North East France . You can find more travel ideas in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais guide .

See also Find Lille hotels

Photos of Lille

Click any picture to start the gallery

Arrange a visit to Lille

Book hotels, car hire and flights.

• Book a visit

Hotels in Lille

Booking.com: best prices

See Lille hotels

Reserve excursions

Map of lille and places nearby, visit near lille with france this way reviews.

Although its not a major tourist destination, the centre of the large town of Roubaix has several sights of interest

Douai has a pleasant old town and one of the most impressive belfries in France

Saint-Amand-les-Eaux

Established as a spa centre for more than 2000 years, it is still the spa treatments that attract visitors to Saint-Amand-les-Eaux today

Arras Carriere Wellington

The Carrière Wellington museum in Arras is a series of tunnels that were used during the First World War, now brought to life with historical artefacts

The town of Cassel is built on the highest hill in the Flanders region and has extensive views

The belfry and the large number of baroque style houses make the centre of Arras very appealing with little clue that most were rebuilt less than 100 years ago after WW1 damage

Tourist classifications for Lille

Lille has received the following tourist classifications: historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé); listed town of Art and History ;

Address: Lille, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, 59000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 50.6372, longitude 3.06333

Plan your visit to Lille, Nord

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

• Cathédrale Notre Dame de La Treille (Lille): religious monument
• Beffroi de Lille (Belfries of Belgium and France) : heritage site
• Parc zoologique de Lille: zoo or wildlife park
• Réserve naturelle du Jardin écologique du Vieux-Lille: site of natural beauty
• Beffroi de Loos (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site (4 km)
• Wattignies: ville fleurie 4* (6 km)
• Wasquehal: ville fleurie 4* (6 km)
• Le parc Barbieux: remarkable garden (8 km)
• Roubaix : town of art and history (10 km)
• Tourcoing: ville fleurie 4* (12 km)
• Beffroi d'Armentières (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site (14 km)
• Beffroi de Comines (Belfries of Belgium and France): heritage site (14 km)

The French version of this page is at Lille (Francais)

French Places

We can help you visit any town, village or region of France...

Popular & Useful

① Ideas & inspiration ② Maps of France ③ Explore by region ④ Route planner ⑤ Places (by dept.)

France This Way copyright 2006 - 2024

• Cookies & privacy
• Index of places

France Travel Blog

Lille Travel Guide

This month we have chosen to dedicate the newsletter to a new European crossroad. Located a mere one hour from Paris, 2 hours from London, 2 and 1/2 hours from Amsterdam and only 30 minutes from Brussels, the northern region of France and its capital, Lille, are certainly not without charm and deserve a visit while traveling through Europe.

A Dream: Linking England to the Continent

For more than two centuries, an immense challenge stimulated the imagination of engineers. How could we link the European continent with England? More than one hundred projects, some more crazy than realistic, were presented. The oldest one dates back to 1750. At that time, Nicolas Desmarets, a geologist, thought that it was very possible to join the two countries; their coasts are easily seen on a clear day. He proposed the building of a bridge or the digging of a trench or tunnel.

The idea of placing tubes at the bottom of the ocean a simply floating in the water, was also considered. In the middle of the nineteenth century, Tomé de Gammond named the “father of the tunnel”, presented the first credible solution. In 1855, he dove 100 feet into the ocean to inspect its floor. He planned to submerge thirteen small artificial islands with wells to ventilate the tunnel. In 1880, a 30-foot engine, mounted on tracks, started the digging.

A Reality: An Enormous Challenge

As the dream closed in on reality, the military from across the Channel suddenly considered that England’s risks were enormous and imagined catastrophic scenarios, most of which were simply crazy. They suddenly announced that armed French invaders would enter their country disguised as simple tourists. The invaders would overtake the tunnel and penetrate into the country, and although more than 12,000 feet of tunnel had been dug, the work was halted. The following years were punctuated by numerous hesitations.

It was only after the end of the Second World War that the opposition to the tunnel finally disappeared. It would, however, have to wait until the Franco-British summit of 1981 for the construction project to get underway; in 1986 the proposition of a rail tunnel was definitively confirmed. Gigantic tunnel excavators would dig without stop, day and night, for more than 4 years, to finally allow the junction to be established on December 1st, 1990. The total length of the tunnel would reach 30 miles, 23 of which are under the English Channel. On May 6th, 1994, the tunnel was finally inaugurated and opened.

Birth of L’Isle (Lille)

Legend has it that in the year 620, a giant named Salvaert, Prince of Dijon, and his wife Emergaert attempted to flee the county of Burgundy and seek refuge in England. At the point of crossing the sinister Sans Mercy (No Mercy) Woods, the hideout of the tyrannical giant Phinaert, they fall into an ambush. Salvaert and his escorts are brutally assassinated. Emargaert manages to escape and finds sanctuary with a hermit. She soon gives birth to a son and has just enough time to hide the baby before she is taken by Phinaert’s men. The hermit finds the baby, names him Lyderic, and has him nursed by a doe.

As an adolescent, Lyderic learns about his birth and decides to avenge his father. On June 19th, 640, he is victorious in a duel, finds his mother, his prestige, and inherits Phinaert’s goods, of which the castle of L’Isle is part, and settles there. Tradition allows Lyderic to become the first Count of Flanders and the founder of the city of Lille as it is around the castle that the city will develop in the eleventh century.

Lille: Proud Capital City of French Flanders

Over the course of many centuries, Lille was conquered by the Flemish, the French and then the Spanish; before being returned to the French due to the marriage between Louis the Fourteenth and the infanta Maria Theresa of Spain in 1667. Today’s architectural richness is thanks to these many invasions, and we recommend you visit this magnificent city; styles and eras intermingle on a daily basis there. The “Grand Place”, the historic center of Lille, with its many terraces, packed Day and night, is the usual rendezvous of the locals and tourist alike. Four statues dominate this plaza.

In the center is the goddess, solidly placed on its pedestal and seems to dominate the crowds. She commemorates the heroic defense by the people of Lille against the siege of the city by the Austrians in 1792. In her right hand, she holds the “boutefeu”, ready to light the canons to defend the city; while in her left hand, she shows the inscription on her platform, which reads: the absolute refusal by the mayor to surrender his city. Three other women covered in gold leaf surround the central statue and symbolically represent the three provinces of the North/Pas de Calais region; Flanders, Artois, and the Hainaut.

Lille’s Giant Flea Market

This huge fair is not to be missed if you are in the region during the first week of September. It is a very significant occasion in the life and culture of the residents of Lille. During three days of celebration, the city abounds with festivities. Most of the city’s streets are given over to the strollers and all, professional or not, take up a bit of the sidewalk to sell their merchandise or more simply to get rid of what they no longer want.

It is unquestionably one of the most extensive flea markets in Europe, which stretches for over 200 kilometers of sidewalk. The origin of this fair dates back to the Middle Ages, an era when the valets and chambermaids of the nobles were given the opportunity, once a year, to sell old garments and objects of their masters. This market would not be complete without the traditional mussel-fries, unique menu which is served by the many restaurateurs and which is appreciated by all. Several tons of mussels are consumed that Day!

Gangster and Policeman, Reality and Fiction

When one reads “Les Miserables” of Victor Hugo, one is immediately moved by the generosity, sensitivity, and mischievousness of the hero, Jean Valjean. To create this fictional character, the author was greatly inspired by a man born not too far from Lille; Eugene François Vidocq. Born in Arras in 1775, his life was somewhat astounding. Stripped by local thieves of the money he had himself stolen from his father in order to pay his way to America, Vidocq started a life of robbery, associating himself with various crooks. Finally arrested and condemned to hard labor, he managed to escape after 6 years in prison. Tired of the vagabond lifestyle, he offered his services as an informant to the police in exchange for his freedom.

He revealed himself to be quite capable in this job, and with the help of other past thieves, he allowed law enforcement to arrest many criminals. Because of this, he was named the first chief of security of Paris in 1811. Philanthropist and generous, he never forgot the downtrodden and tried to help them as much as possible. And so Victor Hugo is said to have used the life story of this particular hero to write about his legendary character, and it also inspired other writers such as Henry Melville in Moby Dick and Charles Dickens’ fugitive in Great Expectations.

Valentine’s Day

We will soon be celebrating the Day for Sweethearts. We wanted to find the origin or rather origins of this celebration and have chosen the most common one agreed upon by various historians. Valentine’s Day dates back to Roman times when pagan festivities were organized each year in honor of Lupercus, God of shepherds and flocks.

This feast marked the first Day of spring and fertility in ancient Rome. This, however, greatly displeased the primitive Holy Fathers of the Church. In their own right, decided to initiate their own holiday in honor of a Roman priest named Valentine, who lived under the reign of Emperor Claude II (3 centuries AD). The Emperor had engaged Rome in numerous bloody and deadly battles and had forbidden all young men from marrying. In fact, he deemed that bachelors made better soldiers. Valentine disobeyed these orders and married young couples in secret. He was executed on February 14th, 269 (or 270), and then canonized. Valentine’s Day is to be celebrated in his honor.

Whatever its origin, Valentine’s Day remains a tradition that sweethearts love to celebrate. In Lille, like everywhere else, lovers will certainly not avoid it. If you have the opportunity to travel in Europe and your itinerary leads you to Lille, do not miss this wonderful city, you will not be disappointed. Not only is Lille an interesting metropolis, but also its citizens are particularly warm and friendly. As a French songwriter sings in one of his songs; “the people from the North have in their hearts the sun that they do not have outside”.

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

Related Posts

What is Lille Famous For

Is Lille Expensive?

Is Lille Worth Visiting?

Is Lille Safe?

Recent posts.

• Get Amazing Hotel in New York – Your Guide to Exclusive Deals
• The Gorges du Verdon: A Scenic Road Trip In Southern France
• Marseille Unveiled: Immerse Yourself in the Charm of the Mediterranean with a Captivating City Break
• A Beginner’s Guide to Road Cycling
• 5 Things to Look for When Buying Digital Cameras
• Entertainment
• Things To Do
• Travel Guides
• Travel Ideas

Social Links

How To Choose Your Hotel Location In Paris

Things You Should Do In Montpellier

Using France To Inspire Your Home Design

Five Ways of Traveling from Paris to the UK

Is Rennes Safe?

Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

We’re not taking new bookings for travel to France at the moment. Our specialists can advise you on all the destinations you can currently book with us.

Change location

• Call us today from 9am
• 01993 838 925 01993 838 089 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

Visit Lille, France

• Accommodation
• Things to do

Flemish influences, art galleries, and nearby battlefields in Lille.

Once dismissed as a provincial backwater in the heart of French mining country, Lille today is a culturally forward-thinking, youthful yet storied city, and the fourth largest in France. Only an hour and a half by train from Paris  or London, this densely populated area has almost one foot in Belgium, with its rows of red- and brown-brick, gabled townhouses and sundry other Flemish influences (beer rivals wine here). This dual identity is one of the reasons it’s a fulfilling place to explore.

As well as being a launchpad from which to visit the battlefield sites of northern France and Belgium, Lille is a destination in its own right. You can spend a relaxed couple of days here, hopping between estaminets (Flemish-style taverns), strolling the cobbled streets of the old town, Vieux Lille, and drinking in the art scene — both the Old Masters and contemporary offerings.

Things to see and do in Lille

Grand-place.

Named officially after Charles de Gaulle but inevitably referred to by locals as the Grand’Place (main square), this huge open space is the pulsing heart of the city. It takes on many guises throughout the year: gathering point, Christmas grotto, parade ground, and open-air concert hall.

In the middle of the Grand-Place you’ll find the Column of the Goddess memorial, erected to commemorate Lille’s citizens’ stand against the Austrian army in 1792, during the French Revolution. The goddess’s curvaceous figure and appearance were allegedly a talking point for locals, as she bore an uncanny resemblance to the then-mayor’s wife...

On one side of the square stands an imposing, maroon-and-mustard-yellow Flemish Renaissance building, the Vieille Bourse. A former stock exchange, its Renaissance cloister now hosts second-hand booksellers selling not just books but vintage comics and a whole host of print material. You might see chess-playing locals, street musicians, and even tango dancers.

Vieux Lille

Pass through to the eastern side of the Vieille Bourse and you emerge on Place du Théâtre, the start of Lille’s old town proper. This second, slightly smaller square is overlooked by a neo-Flemish clocktower, a gilded, top-heavy popinjay that can be seen from everywhere in the city. Also on this square you’ll find the city’s neo classical opera house and the neo-Flemish Chambre de Commerce.

Exploring further into Vieux Lille, you enter a world of pedestrian-only cobbled streets, narrow 17th-century brick townhouses, and little bakeries-cum-cafes. It’s a pleasant place to wander, popping into the various chocolateries, artisan boutiques, and estaminets (rustic Flemish taverns decked out with antiques). One particular chocolaterie is housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century pharmacy. Vieux Lille is also where you’ll find the Palais de Beaux Arts, the city’s premier gallery.

Lille’s art galleries: Palais des Beaux-Arts and la Piscine Musée d'Art et d'Industrie

A fairytale-like Belle Epoque château houses Lille’s most prominent arts museum, the Palais des Beaux Arts. Containing items sequestered by Napoleon from around his empire, the Palais today is considered France’s second museum after the Louvre. Its walls are lined with (appropriately enough) several Flemish Old Masters, including Rubens and Van Dyck, but there’s also a corridor dedicated to the Impressionists.

In the northern reaches of the city at Roubaix, you’ll find la Piscine Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, where fine art and sculpture are housed in a renovated Art Deco swimming pool, the sculptures reflected strikingly in the still waters of the former pool.

Elsewhere in the city you’ll find a vibrant, emerging contemporary art scene, with installations and galleries cropping up in converted textile warehouses, breweries, and freight-train stations.

Lille’s parks and gardens

Lille is a leafy city, and you’ll come across pockets of green space dotted liberally throughout the central districts. Just outside the old town lies Jardin Vauban, a landscaped garden complete with grotto and waterfall, and behind it, Parc de la Citadelle. This vast public park houses an imposing star-shaped military fortress originally commissioned by Louis XIV. It’s still a working garrison.

Battlefield sites

Lille’s proximity to the Flanders region of Belgium and to the Somme area of Picardy, northern France, have made it a good jumping-off point if you’re looking to visit World War I battlefield sites. Located about 45 minutes by road from Lille, the Somme battlefield site is a large one. Its many memorials include the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, preserved trenches and the great abyss of Lochnagar Crater. Lille is also roughly 45 minutes away by road from Ypres, another focal point of World War I battlefield tours , where you’ll find the Menin Gate Memorial along with other Commonwealth memorials and an American cemetery.

Best time to visit Lille

Like many French cities, Lille is a pleasant place to travel all year-round, its character changing with the seasons. However, we think spring (March to May) or early summer (June) is ideal, as this is when the city’s many gardens and green spaces will be at their finest.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Lille by contacting one of our France specialists

• 01993 838 925 01993 838 089
• Make an enquiry

Start planning your trip to Lille

Map of lille, places & hotels on the map, places near lille.

• Arras 27 miles away
• Reims 105 miles away
• Rouen 121 miles away
• Paris 127 miles away
• Honfleur 152 miles away
• Normandy 178 miles away
• Bayeux 192 miles away
• Château de Chambord 220 miles away
• Château de Cheverny 229 miles away
• The Loire Valley 233 miles away
• Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire 235 miles away
• Amboise 242 miles away
• Château de Chenonceau 246 miles away
• Mont Saint-Michel 248 miles away
• Strasbourg 254 miles away
• Château de Villandry 256 miles away
• Château d'Azay-le-Rideau 262 miles away
• Colmar 262 miles away
• Chinon 272 miles away
• Alsace 280 miles away

Photos of Lille

Accommodation choices for Lille

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Lille. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Clarance Hotel

Ideas for experiencing lille.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Lille, and which use the best local guides.

The Battle of the Somme

This comprehensive tour of the Battle of the Somme provides a thorough introduction to World War I and trench warfare. With a private driver-guide, you’ll spend the day visiting landscapes littered with memorials and marred by trenches and craters.

Brussels and the Battle of Waterloo

Follow in the footsteps of some of Europe’s greatest generals on this private tour. You’ll have all day to explore the battlefield at Waterloo, Hougoumont, and Belgium’s capital, hearing about Napoleon’s great defeat at the hands of Blücher and Wellington.

Dunkirk and Operation Dynamo

Visit the small port city of Dunkirk to learn about Operation Dynamo, the audacious evacuation plan that saved the bulk of British forces during the darkest days of World War II, using a fleet of civilian vessels.

Explore Lille , France

Over a decade ago, Lille was awarded the European Capital of Culture title, marking not its pinnacle but rather the start of its journey. In the years since, it has established itself as a premier cultural destination, rivalling any other in northern France and, according to some, beyond. Once a thriving commercial hub in French Flanders, Lille still exudes a strong Flemish character, both in its cuisine and the ornate buildings of its charming Old Town. Learn More...

Explore Vacations

Explore Cruises

Explore Hotels

Explore Things To Do

Explore Inspiration

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

15 Underrated Places to Travel This Summer, From Kosovo to Quebec

By Jamie Spain

Planning the perfect summer trip can take weeks of research, preparation, and organization to ensure it goes off without a hitch. But before you get to the planning and booking phase, you'll need to decide where to go. There's a seemingly endless amount of great options out there, and while there's nothing wrong with heading to the same familiar spot over and over again, sometimes you want to get a little off the beaten path and go somewhere you haven't been before. Whether you're in the mood for a nature escape with jaw-dropping vistas, hiking paths, and secluded lodges, or are looking for a big city excursion surrounded by trendy restaurants, unique neighborhoods, and great shopping, we've got ideas for you.

From islands to national parks , here are 15 underrated summer travel ideas, perfect for avoiding the crowds while you explore someplace new.

Domestic destinations:

Finger Lakes, New York | Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota | Isle Royale National Park, Michigan | Catalina Island, California | San Juan Islands, Washington | Crystal River, Florida

International destinations:

Kosovo | Budapest, Hungary | Copenhagen, Denmark | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Sardinia, Italy | Mauritius | Kyoto, Japan | Bora Bora | Quebec, Canada

Domestic destinations

Finger Lakes, New York

A fan-favorite of New York City residents, the New York Finger Lakes are unquestionably idyllic. The perfect destination for a summer weekend , or a weeklong trip with the family, this region is home to some of the most beautiful waterfronts. Dotted with adorable small towns , the 11 long, slender lakes that make up this area are exactly what East Coast summer dreams are made of. Spend your trip navigating nearby state parks; hiking, biking, and exploring; and enjoying everything that lake life has to offer, from jet-skiing to swimming.

Where to stay: Check out the Gould Hotel , a modern boutique property in Seneca Falls; book a night at The Lake House on Canandaigua for an airy, design-forward stay; or head east to the Inns of Aurora .

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Completely immerse yourself in nature at Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park. This gorgeous destination is ideal for getting in some of the best stargazing you could ever imagine. Just like dozens of other national parks , this one has an International Dark Sky Park certificate, designating it as a location that is particularly good for viewing the night sky and stars. Unlike the others, however, Voyageurs is one of the least-visited national parks in the country, meaning you'll be able to truly connect with nature and enjoy seclusion. It's ideal for boat rides and swimming, as it's primarily made up of waterfronts and islands—almost 40 percent of the park is water.

Where to stay: Nearby Cantilever Hotel is great for those interested in exploring the park, but not wanting to stay too far away from civilization. Those who are a little more daring will enjoy the Kettle Falls Hotel , a property that is only accessible by boat or seaplane. If you're really looking to be one with nature, you can rent a canoe and camp at a tent site.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

If you're looking for a summer vacation where you can explore an area relatively untouched by civilization, look no further than Isle Royale National Park . A favorite of my family, this park is uniquely difficult to get to (the main island is best reached by ferry), so the only other travelers you'll find here are extreme adventurers and in-the-know locals. It's best to visit during the summer months since Lake Superior is quite cold and foggy throughout the rest of the year. My family heads to this park in the summer months in hopes of spending a few days backpacking , canoeing, and hiking through the near-untouched environment—admiring the nature and wildlife along the way.

By Madison Flager

By Alexandra Sanidad

By Caitlin Gunther

By Sara Iannacone

Where to stay: While the actual park is best experienced through camping, those who aren't interested in totally roughing it can stay at the Rock Harbor Lodge , centrally located on the main island. Or, book this nearby rustic Airbnb cabin with panoramic views of Lake Superior for the days leading up to your national park visit.

Catalina Island, California

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Los Angeles , Santa Catalina Island is quite literally heaven on Earth. Hopeful travelers can either take the one-hour Catalina Express ferry over to the island (it departs daily from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point) or charter a private yacht to get them there in style. Whether you're looking to hike the Trans Catalina Trail or simply indulge in some tasty seafood while wandering through the quaint town of Avalon, Catalina Island is a great break from the hustle and bustle of LA. Head a bit farther inland to explore El Rancho Escondido , the acclaimed Arabian horse ranch that's also home to Rusack Vineyards.

Where to stay: For day-trippers or those who plan to extend their vacation to include a stay in Los Angeles, there are a variety of hotels and Airbnbs to choose from, including The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection , The Malibu Beach Inn , and the luxe Chateau Marmont Estate on Airbnb. If you're hoping to stay on-island, the plush Bellanca Hotel is the way to go.

San Juan Islands, Washington

A 2019 Readers' Choice Award winner, named one of the best islands for beautiful scenery, this collection of more than 400 islands off the coast of Washington is ideal for a Pacific Northwest weekend getaway. The three most popular (and largest) islands to explore are Orcas , San Juan, and Lopez—all easily accessible by ferry. Travelers can enjoy a laidback vacation with comfortable temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere: hop on a bike and explore the area; spend time sailing, hiking, and fishing; or take a walk to admire all of the islands' natural beauty, from the mountains to the lakes.

Where to stay: Glampers, campers, and regular hotel-goers will all adore the Lakedale which has accommodations for every type of traveler.

Crystal River, Florida

Home to one of the best beaches in Florida , Crystal River is unlike most other cities you'll find in the Sunshine State for one major reason: It's one of the only places in the world where people can swim alongside manatees . If you've ever wanted to truly get up close to these gentle giants, this is the city to visit. Head to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to see your fill of the endangered animal, and spend some time taking in the natural beauty of the nearby springs and parks.

Where to stay: The Plantation Resort on Crystal River is home to a variety of different activities including a 27-hole championship golf course and a family-friendly resort with 196 accommodations.

International destinations

There's a reason Kosovo is on our list of the Best Places to Go in 2024, and it has everything to do with the jaw-dropping scenery that can be found in every corner of this country. Outdoorsy folks who want to spend their time hiking and biking through untainted valleys, mountains, and countryside will appreciate the chance to explore the newest European country. Travelers who who are looking for a taste of the young nation's history can head to the national museum; afterward, explore the streets of Prizren taking in the architecture as well as the historic mosques and churches.

Where to stay: Book a night at the Hotel Gracanica in the quiet suburb of Prishtina, or pamper yourself at the luxe Ujevara e Drinit Resort near Peja. For something a little more traditional, enjoy tasty Kosovo dishes as well as classic comforts at the rural Ariu Guesthouse . (Check out our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Kosovo for even more recommendations.)

Budapest, Hungary

Skip Western Europe and instead head to the beautiful capital of Hungary . Luxuriate in the mineral-rich thermal baths you'll find around the city , or spend your days exploring the historic Castle District, walking along the Danube, and meandering through the city streets. You can even take a faux hot air balloon trip to enjoy the best view in the city. If you plan your trip for August, it may coincide with the Sziget Festival , one of the largest music and cultural festivals in all of Europe.

Where to stay: Book a night at 2024 Gold List winner, The Four Seasons Gresham Palace Budapest , or spend a few nights at the adults-only Hotel Clark Budapest . (Check out our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Budapest for more recommendations.)

Copenhagen, Denmark

There's no better time to visit Copenhagen than during the summer months when the weather is warm, the days are exceptionally long, and the waterfront views are breathtaking. Aside from being ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world , sustainably-minded travelers will appreciate how eco-focused the place is, and enjoy a trip to CopenHill, the multi-use waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope, climbing wall, and cafe. It's also worth checking out the Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, and the picturesque Nyhavn harbor .

Where to stay: Check out our favorite hotels in Copenhagen , including the grand and historic Hotel d'Angleterre , the Nimb Hotel which was originally built as a castle in 1909, and the modern Villa Copenhagen .

Buenos Aires, Argentina

From awe-inspiring museums to culture-packed tours to dance halls perfect for learning to tango , there's no shortage of amazing things to do and see in Buenos Aires . Whether you're spending the day simply walking the streets and taking in the sights; exploring the colorful La Boca; watching a soccer match; learning to tango; or going to the Colón Theatre to see the opera, this will be a trip to remember.

Where to stay: Some of our favorite hotels in Buenos Aires include the luxe Palacio Duhau ; the Jardín Escondido , once home to Francis Ford Coppola; and the Faena Hotel Buenos Aires located right by the water in Puerto Madero.

Sardinia, Italy

There's so much more to Sardinia than just a beautiful coastline and wonderful beaches. While the long, warm days are perfect to spend by the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, travelers who want a little more substance to their vacation can head inland to experience the island's charming towns, rustic cuisine, and ancient ruins.

Where to stay: Rest your head at the Cascioni Eco Retreat , set on a 90-acre nature reserve with gorgeous views of the surrounding land. The colorful Su Gologone Experience Hotel is another great option, as is the luxurious, high-end Hotel Cali de Volpe .

Another location on our list of the Best Places to Go in 2024, Mauritius is about 1,200 miles east of Madagascar . From its gorgeous coastlines with pristine beaches to the luxury accommodations and unparalleled nature, this island destination is nothing short of paradise. Head here during the Northern Hemisphere's summer months to avoid wet season. Your main activities on Mauritius will be water-based, from diving and snorkeling to sitting on the beach and admiring the coastline. If you need a break from relaxing, take a trip to the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve, the Botanic Gardens, or the capital city of Port Louis.

Where to stay: Check out our favorite hotels in Mauritius , including the four-time Readers' Choice Award winner and two-time Gold List winner, One&Only Le Saint Géran . You can also book a stay at the legendary resort, Lux Belle Mare , or the kite-surfers' paradise of Riu Palace Mauritius .

Kyoto, Japan

Instead of heading to the mega-popular Tokyo or the bright and lively Osaka, consider touching down in Kyoto , one of the best cities to experience traditional Japanese culture. Spend the day exploring the temples and shrines that are dotted throughout the city; take a walk through Gion, the “Geisha District;” or while away a few hours in the Kyoto National Museum. The best times to visit Japan are at the very end or beginning of summer when the season overlaps with spring and fall, and while it'll certainly be a bit warmer during the peaks of summer, it's no less beautiful.

Where to stay: From the Ace Hotel to the Shinmonzen , there is no shortage of great hotels in Central Kyoto. If you're interested in something a little different, tour guide Sara Aiko from Traveler 's Ask a Local series recommends taking a trip to Moksa , a gorgeous property in the north of Kyoto surrounded by temples and nature.

Nothing says romance like staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. The winter in French Polynesia corresponds with the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning June, July, and August experience less humid and more comfortable temperatures. This time period also falls during Tahiti 's dry season, so you don't have to worry about being rained out. You could easily spend your days simply lounging in your bungalow and slipping into the crystal waters whenever you feel, but Bora Bora is also ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and taking a boat or a 4x4 island tour.

Where to stay: Bora Bora is particularly known for its luxury overwater bungalows. Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a more private option with exceptional snorkeling and coral, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is perfect for honeymooners and families alike, and the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is home to over 100 bungalows, fine dining, and an exceptional spa.

Quebec, Canada

When you think of summer travel, your first thought is probably an island getaway or a far-flung destination that you've only read about in books. But, don't overlook all of the beauty that our northern neighbor has to offer. Quebec City is home to all the same type of charm you'll find in Europe but without the exceptionally long flight to get there. Spend some time in Old Quebec City —home to some of the oldest streets in North America—taking in the history and culture that make this city worthy of its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Or, head to Montreal , where you can enjoy a variety of museums, the open-air market, and great culinary options. Don't forget to explore the nature and French architecture found in the greater province.

Where to stay: For a wonderful stay in Quebec City, Hotel 71 is a six-time Readers' Choice Award winner while Auberge Saint Antoine Quebec City and Le Germain Hotel Quebec are both five-time winners. For a wellness-focused retreat , head to Monastère des Augustines . In Montreal , check out the Auberge du Vieux-Port on the St. Lawrence River, or Hotel William Gray in Old Montreal.

Firework content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

Woman's Day

25 Affordable Girls' Trip Ideas That Will Convince You to Finally Plan That Getaway

Posted: June 12, 2024 | Last updated: June 12, 2024

Remember the old days, when getting the girls together for a getaway was as easy as piling in the car with a few bathing suits, some snacks, and a sense of adventure? These days, it's not so easy: Often, female friendships require intricate coordination with spouses, kids, jobs — and all the trappings of serious adulting. (Womp, womp.)

But travel is the ultimate bonding experience for best friends and an amazing way to recharge and refocus. So it's a goal well worth prioritizing, despite the challenges involved with logistics and coordination. These girls' trip ideas include something for every group — whether you're all about adventure, relaxation, city sightseeing, or wandering off the grid. Our picks include both far-flung destinations, and plenty of domestic travel options that require no passport (or jet lag) at all. And these girls trip ideas include options for every group's budget , from wallet-friendly road trips to bucket-list international travels.

No matter where you go, you're sure to have a life-affirming, laughter-inspiring, friendship-rejuvenating good time. So get to booking and make it happen — no excuses!

Ready to get packing? Don't forget to check out our picks for the best luggage on Amazon , and best travel dresses to pack for every destination.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas has long been a hot spot for bachelorette parties and wild girls' nights out on the town and for good reason. The Strip is only a few minutes from the airport and home to upscale hotels, the must-see dancing Fountains of Bellagio , mainstream restaurants, and no shortage of shows. Get the girls together for a baller group stay at Sky Suites at Aria , with its own food and drinks lounge and airport transportation included.

Rome, Italy

Focus on the “eat” of an eat, pray, love-style getaway with a girls trip to the Eternal City. Visit the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel, and more — all with ample stops for pizza, pasta, gelato, and vino, of course. Stay at the Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese with its Settimo restaurant and lounge bar on the roof terrace, overlooking all the splendor of the city.

Maui, Hawaii

The beaches and turquoise waters make for a dreamy and relaxing getaway, and the lively dining, pool, and shopping scenes combine for the ultimate girls trip. Stay at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea to live out The White Lotus experience IRL. And make a plan for the new experience, A Wayfinder's Journey , led by the distinguished female Hawaiian navigator Kala Baybayan Tanaka aboard a private catamaran.

RELATED: Best Women's Wellness Retreats to Nurture Your Mind and Body

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs and its environs all around the Southern California desert region make for a girls trip packed with fun under the sun and swaying palms. (Definitely pack that SPF!) The Thompson Palm Springs hotel is readying for a chic opening. Or in Indian Wells, get your splash on in the lazy river with two enormous water slides at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells . (Don’t forget to snap your social media selfies in front of the “Desert Vibes Only” neon wall!)

RELATED: Best Travel Instagram Captions

New York City, New York

There's a lot to see in NYC. Luckily, you can see almost all of it from the observation deck at The Edge . And if you and your girls are looking for a real thrill, you can even sign up to scale the building . It's the perfect bonding moment for any group dedicated to new challenges and conquering fears. Then, spend the rest of the trip exploring the various shows, restaurants, and boat tours available.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The iconic Rocky Steps , photos at the Liberty Bell , and drinks at the bar in the Four Seasons Hotel are all great stops for a girls' trip in Philly.

For a bucket list trip, Fiji is more accessible than you think: It’s the same distance from the U.S. West Coast as London via nonstop flight. Stay at Vomo Island Fiji for spa, scuba, snorkeling, and incredible South Pacific cuisine.

RELATED: Best Beach Captions to Post While You're Chillin' in the Sand

Baltimore, Maryland

When it comes to sightseeing, you can't go wrong with a stop at the Baltimore Inner Harbor , home to the Maryland Science Center , the National Aquarium , Top of the World Observation Level , and amazing seafood dining.

Downtown Dubai isn't just home to the world's tallest man-made structure, the Burj Khalifa. It's home to a guaranteed glamorous girls' trip experience, with modern architecture, luxury shopping, and pristine beaches. It's also home to plenty of Real Housewives lore, if your group loves Bravo. And it's where Beyoncé famously performed at the opening of the new Atlantis The Royal .

Ocean City, Maryland

If your friend circle consists of mom friends who are sick of cleaning up after other people, they'll enjoy the beaches of Ocean City. The locale is ranked amongst the cleanest in America. For oceanfront and in- ocean dining, Seacrets is a local favorite.

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Lighthouses, The African American Heritage Trail , and access to seafood make this charming location a top pick for a trip with the girls.

Newport, Rhode Island

Those who dream about living the mansion life will love a trip to Newport to expand on that fantasy. The town is famous for the mansions along Bellevue Avenue . Book a stay at Gurney's Resort for some R&R and Instagram-worthy photos lounging by the pool.

Savannah, Georgia

Friend groups dreaming of living like a Southern belle won't be disappointed with a trip to Savannah. People come for the Southern charm and stay for the horse-drawn carriages, bed and breakfasts, and river boat cruises.

Charleston, South Carolina

Cobblestone streets, boardwalks, and The Pineapple Fountain are amongst the landmarks great for tourists and girlfriends looking for some fun photo spots.

New Orleans, Louisiana

When a hit movie called Girls Trip takes place in this travel hot spot, it only makes sense you follow suit with a girls' trip of your own. Besides being home to the Essence Festival , New Orleans is known for the sounds of soul and the infusion of French cuisine. In short, there will never be a dull moment on a trip here.

Catalina Island, California

Just off the coast of California, this getaway is well known by natives of the state and the perfect place to head to for anyone who prefers to escape the crowds of Los Angeles (...for island crowds, when summertime demand swells the lively beaches and restaurants here). The 22-mile island is easily traveled by foot or golf cart. It's home to diving, paddling, a casino, several spas, and plenty of reasons to relax and disconnect.

Houston, Texas

Houston may be well known for its space center and museums, but it's also the perfect spot for hitting the trails. The Buffalo Bayou has several hundred acres of park land. Rent a canoe, see the hidden art, and paddle through downtown Houston as you admire the natural beauty. If you and your girls are kids at heart, take the hour and a half drive down to adults-only waterpark The Cove at BearX . Or, enjoy a wine tasting at Pur Noire Urban Wineries or Sable Gate Winery .

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is home to rooftop bars, rich history, and a captivating architecture boat tour that's sure to impress. The best part is, its central location makes finding direct flights a breeze for the most part. For friends looking for a high-class experience, a stay at the Sofitel Chicago and shopping along the Magnificent Mile can provide a healthy dose of luxury.

Pigeon Point, Tobago

For the crew who's had enough of the typical Caribbean tourist attractions, Tobago is a hidden gem not to be missed. It's located north of the main island of Trinidad and home to Buccoo Reef and lush rainforests perfect for bird watching. Not to be missed is the Nylon Pool — a naturally made pool surrounded by white sand in the middle of the ocean safe enough for visitors to swim in and enjoy. Spend the night at the secluded Bacolet Beach Club after indulging in some curry chicken and roti.

Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamas is a no-brainer decision for friends living on the East Coast. The ease in finding short direct flights makes planning a stress-free experience — something all busy friends can appreciate. Once there, head to the Junkanoo Museum to learn more about Bahamian culture.

Barcelona, Spain

A girls' night in your hometown at a favorite restaurant surrounded by tapas and drinks isn't an uncommon experience, so why not experience them where it all started? Book the Original Tapas Crawl Adventure to find out more about (and taste!) the local food and drinks.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Dining at juice bars, surf lessons, and experiencing the butterfly conservatory are among the popular activities for girlfriends to engage during a getaway to magical Costa Rica.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Niagara Falls has no shortage of splash zones and adventures. Zip lining, Maid of the Mist boat tours, and a trip to the observation deck leave little room for boredom. Raise a glass to the memories made over a glass of the popular Canadian varietal, ice wine.

Charlestown, Nevis

Anyone who is addicted to the soundtrack from the Broadway musical Hamilton (and who isn't?) is in for a surprise during a girls' trip to the island of Nevis. Lovers of the show will appreciate the opportunity to visit the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, known as The Hamilton House . Then, relish in the rich history that led to the captivating story during an amazing West Indian dinner at Bananas restaurant .

Riviera Maya, Mexico

If staying at an all-inclusive resort is a must for your girlfriend getaway, look no further than Mexico. Dreams Resort , Excellence , and Grand Palladium are some of the top choices for all-inclusive stays in the area.

More for You

Fans Use One Word To Describe WNBA Players' Opinions Of Caitlin Clark

Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

About the Rumor McDonald's Is Considering Leaving California Due to State's Minimum Wage Increase

Flight attendant explains why you should always throw a bottle of water under hotel beds

Republican Suddenly Quits Job After Trump Candidate Wins Election

Taylor Swift Eras Tour: Singer Pauses Show Four Times In One Night

Locals outraged after wealthy residents illegally mow down over 500 trees for better ocean view: 'It's selfishness and greed'

7 CDs You Probably Owned, Threw Out and Now Are Worth Bank

Here's the Maximum Possible Social Security Benefit at 62, 66, 67, and 70

Netflix series dominates most-watched chart with 10 million views in one week

Fact Check: About That Pic Allegedly Showing Zelenskyy and Wife Photographed with Stacks of Money

Fani Willis Lawyers Get New Warning From Judge

Luka Doncic Has Five-Word Reaction After Fouling Out of Game 3 Loss vs. Celtics in Finals

"It Saves Us So Much": People Are Sharing Their Most Unique Money-Saving Ideas

Social Security: You Could Qualify for An Extra $900 per Month in Benefits. Here's Who Is Eligible

The Only Major Actors Still Alive From Gilligan's Island

What Is Kölsch Beer And What Makes It Unique?

KISS Frontman Gene Simmons Shares Bold Opinion On Taylor Swift

Fact Check: Posts Claim Trump Said 'I Don't Care About You, I Just Want Your Vote' at Las Vegas Rally. Here's the Context

Flight from London to US turns back with all passengers on board for nine hours

Lille travel guide

Lille tourism | lille guide, you're going to love lille.

Once an industrial city, Lille has reinvented itself as a cultural and business hub, with a metropolitan area that straddles the France/Belgium border along the Deûle River. Streets within the beautifully restored city center are lined with Neoclassical and Gothic Revival architecture. Add a sizzling dining scene and a fashionista's selection of boutiques and stores, and it's the perfect city escape.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Lille

1. explore history.

With evidence of civilization that dates back 4,000 years, the city's historic buildings reflect various eras of French and Flemish history from the Middle Ages on, and include the La Vieille Bourse (1653) and Opéra de Lille (1923).

2. Scintillating Arts and Culture

The art collection at the renowned Palais des des Beaux-Arts de Lille includes pieces from the 15th to 20th centuries. There is also a lively performing arts and theater scene to discover.

3. Eats and Sweets

There is a longstanding culinary tradition in this city, offering everything from fine dining to gourmet street food, including a specialty in classic French and Belgian patisseries or pastries, cakes, chocolates, and waffles.

4. Shop Till You Drop

From shopping malls full of the latest designer clothes to open-air markets and chic boutiques, there is something for everyone's budget and taste.

5. Hot Nightlife Scene

The city's nightlife is busy and varied, including dance clubs and live music venues, bars and cocktail lounges, with a strong youthful component due to the large university student population.

What to do in Lille

1. lille grand palais: lille's main event.

Located right at the heart of Lille, the Grand Palais is a post-modern masterpiece. Created by celebrity architects Cecil Balmond and Rem Koolhaas, the building is an attraction in itself, but it also hosts massive conferences and major concerts at the on-site Zenith Arena. Events like Art Up! turn the Palais into a wonderland for contemporary art fans, while the Kids Parc in February and March offers an endless array of games and exhibits for kids to enjoy. No matter when you get to Lille, it's always worth checking out what the center has to offer.

2. Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille: A World Class Gallery for Little Ol' Lille

A completely different sort of "palais", this fabulous fine art museum can be found on the elegant Place de la Republique and is Lille's premier cultural attraction. Lille may not be a massive city, but this collection would suit far larger destinations with its wide range of masterpieces. From Monet's "Houses of Parliament" to Rodin's "Descent into Hell", you'll find Impressionist paintings, modernist sculpture, and much more.

3. Place du Général-de-Gaulle: A Beautiful Bourse on a Sublime Square

Crowned by the Column of the Goddess and its burbling fountain commemorating the Siege of Lille by Austrian forces in 1792, the Place du Général-de-Gaulle is Lille's civic focal point and one of the most elegant of its kind in France. The memorial is beautiful, but it's the nearby Stock Exchange that really takes visitors' breaths away. Built in the 1650s, the "Vielle Bourse" is a gorgeous construction with Spanish-style arches and an interior courtyard where booksellers set up shop. And when you're done exploring the Bourse, there are plenty of restaurants lining the square as well, making it somewhere that almost every visitor passes by.

4. Hospice Comtesse: Keeping Flemish History Alive

A few hundred meters north of the Place du General-de-Gaulle, you'll come across the Hospice Comtesse - one of Lille's finest museums. The hospice itself was opened in 1236, but the current building dates back to the 1600s, which was a golden age for Lille's civic architects. These days, the hospice has gone, and the interior has been given over to a magical historical museum. Tapestries, puppets, paintings, and everyday objects conjure up a vision of what life there was like 400 years ago.

5. Lille Cathedral: A Divine Modern Cathedral

Situated on the Place Gilleson about 100 meters south of the Hospice Comtesse, you simply can't miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille. The idea for Lille's cathedral took root in the 1850s, and construction on the huge edifice continued slowly, before grinding to a halt in the 1920s. Thankfully, the local government stepped in during the 1990s to complete what is now a stunning religious structure. Be sure to enter the church to see the astonishing play of light through the metal and marble facade.

Where to Eat in Lille

Méert has been serving kings and commoners delicious waffles - or gaufres - made with vanilla from Madagascar since 1761, starting at EUR3. Enjoy the intriguing Flemish fusion dishes at La Petite Table, starting at EUR1.

When to visit Lille

With its seasonal climate, most tourists choose to visit the city from spring through fall, or April to October, when average temperatures range between 60 and 75 degrees.

How to Get to Lille

Lille Airport (LIL) has convenient connections throughout Europe and within France. There is direct bus service that runs to the downtown area at EUR7.

Lille is a major European train hub, with many connections anywhere within the continent, including a 1-hour direct trip to and from Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.

Lille has highway connections throughout France and northern Europe, including Autoroute A27 to Liège and eventually Germany, and Autoroute A1 to Paris.

FlixBus and OUIBUS are two of the major bus companies providing connections from Lille throughout Europe.

Airports near Lille

Airlines serving lille, where to stay in lille.

Vieux-Lille - this is the Old Town, where you will find architectural gems like the Notre Dame de la Treille church and opera house, along with boutique and souvenir shopping, and multiple dining options.

Popular Neighborhoods in Lille

Lille-Centre - the more modern heart of the city is where you will find a busy district of theaters, restaurants, and nightlife venues.

Wazemmes - this area southwest of the downtown is home to a casual dining and nightlife scene, along with the huge indoor/outdoor Marche de Wazemmes flea market at Place Nouvelle Aventure.

Where to stay in popular areas of Lille

Most booked hotels in lille, how to get around lille, public transportation.

Transpole provides buses, trams, and train system both under and above ground, providing extensive service throughout the city and suburbs. Fares start at EUR1.60, with a 10-ride card available for EUR14.

Taxis are plentiful throughout the downtown area. Fares start at EUR5, increasing by EUR1.90 for every 0.60 miles.

Driving is feasible in the city, although parking is at a premium in some areas. A compact rental starts at about EUR27.

The Cost of Living in Lille

Shopping streets.

Rue de Béthune in the old city is lined with small shops and boutiques. The ultramodern Euralille shopping mall is located on Avenue Willy Brandt, east of downtown.

Groceries and Other

Carrefour can be found in the city. A quart of milk costs about EUR1.10, and a dozen eggs will cost roughly EUR2.75.

• Share full article

No Cars, No Crowds: 100 Years of Solitude in the New Mexico Wilderness

The Gila Wilderness, home to wolves, mountain lions and other wildlife, marks a century as a ‘land lab,’ where nature thrives as far as the eye can see.

“Here, man is only a visitor,” said a former ranger of New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness, where pine-covered mountains conceal countless canyons and habitats for wolves, bears and mountain lions. Credit... John Burcham for The New York Times

Supported by

By Elaine Glusac

• June 12, 2024

On a crisp spring morning, I trusted a horse — a bay named Sino — to show me the vast Gila Wilderness of southern New Mexico. Red rock walls rose beside us as we wove back and forth across a shallow creek separating ponderosa pine on the shady south side of Rocky Canyon from barrel cactus in the cliff crevasses on the desertlike north face. I leaned against his neck as Sino climbed a steep ridge that led to a hilltop savannah of pinyon, juniper and groves of tentacled cane cholla cactus tipped in faded yellow fruit. Surrounding them, forested mountains were unblemished by buildings or roads.

One hundred years after it was named the nation’s first Wilderness Area in 1924, the remote Gila Wilderness seems to fulfill the vision of its founder, the conservationist Aldo Leopold .

“By ‘wilderness,’” Leopold wrote, “I mean a continuous stretch of country preserved in its natural state, open to lawful hunting and fishing, big enough to absorb a two-weeks pack trip, and kept devoid of roads, artificial trails, cottages or other works of man.”

Henry Provencio is a former district ranger for the Forest Service, who, until his recent retirement, managed much of the Gila Wilderness, where pine-covered mountains conceal countless canyons and habitats for wolves, bears and mountain lions. “Here, man is only a visitor,” he said. “Now there are 48 countries in the world with some form of wilderness designation and it all started right here.”

As I discovered over five days, visiting Gila — pronounced HEE-la — is both inspiring and demanding. The wilderness bans conveniences like cars and bridges, limiting most travel to hikers and horseback riders. Roads nearby are slow, making a remote destination more distant. But it’s all by design.

‘People have to want to come here.’

The fast pace of development — tied to the boom in road construction with the advent of automobiles — already concerned Leopold when he came to southern New Mexico in the early 1900s as a Forest Service supervisor. Among his duties was shooting predators such as wolves to protect their prey for hunters.

“He realized killing off all predators caused huge problems in the natural balance of things,” said Steve Morgan, a retired landscape architect who performs as Aldo Leopold in lectures throughout the United States. “He talked about setting land aside as a land lab so we could study it.”

In June, 1924, the Forest Service acted on his proposal, designating hundreds of thousands of acres as the Gila Wilderness. Over the years, the boundaries have shifted and now two adjacent wilderness areas roughly cover its original footprint. The larger, nearly 560,000-acre Gila Wilderness kept the original name beside the neighboring 202,000-acre Aldo Leopold Wilderness . Both are surrounded by the Gila National Forest , a 3.3-million-acre buffer that is less restrictive in terms of access, which includes allowing cars.

The mountainous region can be hard to navigate. I staged my visit with day trips from two towns that border the national forest: tiny Kingston , N.M., about 190 miles southwest of Albuquerque; and Silver City , 45 miles west of Kingston, on a highway so steep and winding that many trucks have to take a 110-mile detour.

“People have to want to come here,” said Maribeth Pecotte, a public affairs officer for the Forest Service, which manages both the Gila National Forest and the Gila Wilderness. “You don’t stumble across it.”

Cliff dwellings and hot springs

The Gila region’s top attraction — the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument — is a good place to start exploring. From Silver City, the cliff dwellings are a 90-minute drive north on curvy Highway 15, which winds through the National Forest.

Beginning around 1276, hunter gatherers known as the Mogollon people built a series of 40 rooms into caves among amber-hued cliffs of rock known as Gila conglomerate.

“To me, it’s our church,” said Ronnie Cachini of the Pueblo of Zuni , one of the Pueblo cultures believed to descend from the Mogollon and related people, in a video played at the monument’s visitor center.

I hiked the steep trail of nearly 300 steps to reach the dwellings in time to catch a tour with a park ranger, who described how a drought had likely drawn the Mogollon to the cliffs above a spring-fed creek. Nearby, at the Lower Scorpion Campground , a gallery of pictographs filled a rock wall with abstract figures and symbols, their meanings lost to time.

From the monument, a number of trails venture into the Gila Wilderness, leading to slot canyons and backcountry hot springs. But conditions, including the prospect of fording the swift Gila River in spring, kept me in the front country.

There, just south of the cliff dwellings, I heeded the signs around the rustic pools at Gila Hot Springs Campground to “soak & exhale” amid views of towering cliffs beside the river.

Hiking the buffer zone

After weeks of reporting, I had heard countless tales of lost hikers, encounters with poison oak and arduous river crossings. The road to the Catwalk Recreation Area , which offers relatively convenient access to the wild lands just beyond it, was under construction. The wilderness, it seemed, resisted entry.

That evening, fellow diners at Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery in Silver City confirmed my theory and suggested hikes in the neighboring Gila National Forest for wilderness views, drawing maps to get me there.

The next morning, as the sun glinted off frosted tallgrass near the trailhead a few miles north of Silver City, I set out for the roughly 7,200-foot Gomez Peak in the company of garrulous Mexican jays and nervous spotted towhees . Well-marked trails network the area around the base, leading to a roughly mile-long switchback climb to the mountain top where pines gave way to sculptural agave plants, some with 30-foot-high flowering stalks. Northern views framed the Gila Wilderness, including the snowcapped ridge of the Mogollon Mountains rising over 10,000 feet.

Later that afternoon, the staff at Gila Hike & Bike , a Silver City shop that sells hiking maps, suggested a few trails off Highway 15 in the national forest, including Tadpole Ridge .

A 20-minute climb to the ridge revealed uninterrupted forest views, reminding me of some advice Mr. Morgan, the Aldo Leopold expert, had imparted: “Places don’t have to be designated wilderness to still get the essence of what it is.”

Exploring on horseback

On my final day, I joined two Forest Service employees on an exploratory ride into the Gila Wilderness at Rocky Canyon .

As wilderness managers, the Forest Service relies on a stable of horses and mules run by the department’s head wrangler, Zackary Law, to supply seasonally staffed fire towers and transport trail maintenance crews. Mr. Law saddled up Sino as he introduced me to Eileen Henry, a fish biologist and experienced rider who works with Mr. Law to carry camping gear and scientific instruments into the wilderness when she needs to sample the genetics of isolated populations of Gila trout.

Riding from a forest trailhead into the wilderness, we immediately flushed out two coyotes. Mr. Law identified mountain lion prints in sandy washes, wolf scat on the trail and a pine tree denuded of its bark by bears searching for the acorns that woodpeckers had stashed there.

Traversing climates from alpine to desert, we encountered intriguing caves and naturally stacked boulders seemingly poised to tumble and sure to be social media selfie magnets were they more accessible.

“That’s how a lot of the Gila is, you ride up into desert and down to river bottoms and dense pine woods,” said Mr. Law, whose encyclopedic knowledge of the Gila’s flora and fauna has been honed by putting in over 1,000 miles in the saddle each year.

Among smaller wonders, we spotted a foraging pair of Montezuma quail with distinct polka-dot breasts, puzzled over an elk jawbone and briefly captured a charismatic horned toad — a kind of lizard — during the nearly eight-hour, 10-mile ride.

On my way back to Silver City, I stopped at Open Space Brewing , a new brewery that has a following among outdoor lovers. At the bar, I shared my effort and thrill in reaching the wilderness with Molly Gibson, 31, a local teacher and avid hiker.

“That’s what makes it good,” she smiled. “It’s hard to get to.”

The primary gateway to the Gila Wilderness, Silver City has several hotels, including the downtown Murray Hotel , which traces its history to 1938 (from $129, including breakfast). About 10 minutes north, the upscale Bear Mountain Lodge offers hiking trails on its 178-acre property next to the national forest (from $180, including breakfast).

Near the Gila Cliff Dwellings, the Gila Hot Springs Campground has campsites for $12 a person, a night, including access to the springs. Day use of the springs for nonguests costs $8. Wolfhorse Outfitters offers horseback rides and pack trips in the national forest (from $100).

To the southeast of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, the nine-room Black Range Lodge originally housed miners in the 1880s and now offers music retreats and stargazing parties (rooms from $120, including breakfast).

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Exploring the Outdoors, One Step at a Time

Hiking is a great way to immerse yourself in nature and tune out the chaos of city life. the tips below will help you get ready before you hit the trail..

Hiking offers a host of mental and physical benefits. If you’re new to it, here’s how to get started .

Fourteen years and one Apple App of the Year award in, AllTrails has become something rare: a tool that works for both experts and newbies .

Make sure you have the right gear . Wirecutter has recommendations for anything you might need — from hydration packs  to trekking poles . And remember to try on hiking boots  at the right time of the day .

These clever apps and devices  will help you to find your way, triage an injury and generally stay out of trouble on the trail.

Planning to venture out for a nighttime  hike ? Opt for wide, easy-to-navigate paths.

Experts say failing to alert family or friends of your plans is one of the biggest mistakes hikers make. Here are some more safety tips .

Advertisement