The charming little city of Lille would warm the cockles of even the most hardened traveller! Wander down its winding cobbled streets and you’ll stumble across all manner of old-world architectural gems, from its meandering canalways to the chocolate-box houses of the Old Quarter.
How long should I go for?
We recommend spending 1-2 nights in Lille to make the most of the city.
Getting there:
Lille has two train stations, one connecting it well to local regions within France. The other stations connects Lille to surrounding European cities including Amsterdam, Brussels and London, as well as other major cities in France.
Getting around:
Lille has many bus routes and also has two subway lines which connect the city center to the suburbs. Two trams also run towards Roubaix and Tourcoing.
The former Commercial Exchange, built in 1653, still plays a key role in Lille. The building is composed of 24 miniature houses which surround a courtyard lined with ornate archways. The courtyard is the life and soul of the city. You’ll find market stalls and book sellers as well as chess games in the inner courtyard.
The Place du General de Gaulle is Lille’s main square. Surrounded by beautiful buildings home to restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops, the square is a great place to begin your tour. As well as La Vieille Bourse, you’ll also find The Grande Garde and The Goddess on Lille’s centre stage. The Grande Garde, once used to house soldiers, is now the town theatre.
In Central Lille you’ll find many of the city’s main sites, including the stunning Grand Place, a popular meeting place with architecture dating back to the 17th Century. Head to Old Lille and find the Palais des Beaux Arts. This 19th century summer palace has been transformed into a huge art museum, second only to the Louvre. Here you’ll find works by Monet, Raphael and Van Gogh.
More towards the suburbs of Lille, you will find former industrial towns Roubaix and Tourcoing. Greater Lille is also home to many of Lille’s museums; here you will find a calmer alternative to the urban atmosphere in central Lille. Make sure to check out the Marche de Wazemmes, one of the largest and most popular ourdoor markets in northern France. The market runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with the latter being the busiest. There’s hundreds of sellers offering exotic fresh fruit and veg and a mix of street food including North African and Middle Eastern cuisine.
