Planning a visit to Lille? You won’t be bored with this list of 13 must-dos in the capital of Hauts-de-France!
Lille is ideally situated at the crossroads of major European cities such as Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and London. It is internationally renowned for its annual braderie in September. But this French city, just a stone’s throw from the Belgian border, is worth a visit for many other reasons. Lille is said to have a rich history and heritage, varied architecture, a unique atmosphere and an inimitable welcome. And we agree!
Planning a trip to the capital of the Hauts-de-France region? Here’s our selection of the 13 must-see things to do in Lille.
1. The town hall belfry
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Production Perig
At 104 meters high, the belfry of Lille’s town hall is the tallest belfry in the region. It is not only considered a symbol of freedom for all the communes in the Hauts-de-France region, but also a landmark in the city. Built between the two world wars, the town hall combines traditional Flemish architecture with the modern material of reinforced concrete. Its belfry, carved with the two founders of Lille (Lydéric and Phinaert), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the top, you can enjoy a 360° view of the city and its surroundings: a great way to see Lille from another angle. If you listen carefully, you might just hear the chimes!
2. La Grand’Place
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / MisterStock
No, it’s not a typo. La Grand’Place, without the « e », is the name generally given to the central square of a city in northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Its official name is Place du Général-de-Gaulle, in honor of the famous man born in Lille. Lille’s Grand’Place is the heart of the city. This is where the huge Ferris wheel is installed during the Christmas season. The rest of the year, it’s a meeting place, at the foot of the statue of the Goddess, built in 1842, and a place of passage for the people of Lille. As you can see, the Grand’Place is one of Lille’s liveliest landmarks.
3. La Vieille Bourse
Photo credit: Shutterstock / SergiyN
Let’s continue our tour of Lille’s must-sees in the heart of the city, at the Vieille Bourse. Located between the Grand’Place and Place du Théâtre, the Vieille Bourse is a group of Flemish Renaissance-style buildings. The building was commissioned by wealthy local merchants in 1652. Its small inner courtyard, surrounded by 4 doors and 24 identical residences, is now home to chess players and secondhand booksellers. On summer evenings, tango classes are sometimes held here. Don’t miss its colorful sculpted facades and fascinating atmosphere if you’re planning a visit to Lille!
4. Palace of Fine Arts
Photo credit: Flickr – Alex Toulemonde
If it rains during your stay, take the opportunity to visit Lille via the Palais des Beaux-Arts. You’ll find it on the Place de la République, opposite the Préfecture du Nord. With its many prestigious paintings, it’s considered one of France’s richest museums. As you stroll the aisles of this superb 19th-century palace, you’ll be able to admire large collections of European works, particularly Flemish and Dutch. Rubens, Goya, Delacroix, Courbet, Rodin and Claudel are just some of the great artists featured in the permanent collection. Don’t hesitate to ask about temporary exhibitions when you visit!
5. Old Lille
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Production Perig
Imagine charming cobbled streets lined with magnificent Flemish-style buildings and spread over almost 2 km2. You’ve arrived in Vieux Lille! This is undoubtedly the city’s must-see district. Its brick and stone facades bear witness to the city’s past, from the 14th to the 20th century. Vieux Lille is a district that’s as popular with locals as it is with visitors. It’s packed with art galleries, small boutiques and luxury stores, as well as popular cafés, bars and restaurants. If you want to visit Lille, shop or just stroll around, we highly recommend a visit to Vieux Lille.
6. Wazemmes market
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Juriaan Wossink
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday morning, the Wazemmes market draws crowds for its popular, colorful market. You’ll find everything from fruit and vegetables to textiles, as well as local and international products. The Wazemmes market is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and is a must-see during your stay in Lille.
7. The Citadel
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Sergey Dzyuba
Wondering what to do in Lille? Head for the Citadelle, hidden by the greenery of its park and the Bois de Boulogne. Commissioned by Louis XIV, the Citadelle de Lille was built in the 17th century by Vauban, who dubbed it « the queen of citadels ». Star-shaped and surrounded by five bastions, it was built to protect the city of Lille after its conquest. On sunny days, it’s a popular place for strolling around Lille.
8. Rehabilitated sites
Photo credit: Flickr – bpmm
Lille has always been a land of industry, particularly in the coal, textile and steel sectors. It is also a land of culture, and was even designated European Capital of Culture in 2004. The city has evolved over time, giving a second artistic and/or cultural life to numerous industrial sites. These rehabilitated sites include :
- Le Tripostal: this former mail-sorting building has been transformed into a contemporary art exhibition and performance venue.
- Gare Saint-Sauveur: this former freight station now houses a bar, cinema and exhibition hall.
- The Maisons Folie de Wazemmes and de Moulins: these former textile mills have been transformed into cultural and exchange centers, with the aim of promoting popular culture.
9. Beers and culinary specialities
Beer lovers will be delighted by the city’s breweries, which serve excellent local and Belgian beers. But why settle for tasting and not learn the brewing trade? After learning about beer in theory from François, get hands-on and crush the malt you’ll use to make your own beer! After this 4-hour training course costing €50, brewing beer will no longer hold any secrets for you.
Visiting Lille also means discovering the rich culinary specialties inspired by Flemish gastronomy. On the menu of an estaminet, a typical regional restaurant, you’ll find potjevleesch or waterzoï, carbonnade flamande, welsh (a dish of Welsh origin), tarte au Maroilles, or the unmissable moules-frites during the big braderie. For dessert, try Fred’s Merveilleux, unless you prefer waffles from Maison Meert?
10. The churches
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Aztec Images
Like all major French cities, Lille also has its share of remarkable churches. Two of them are particularly worth a look if you’re looking for something to do in Lille:
- Saint-Maurice church: built between the 14th and 20th centuries in a neo-Gothic style, this church is just a few meters from Lille-Flandres station. The stained glass windows inside are impressive.
- Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral: this atypical church dedicated to the Virgin Mary was only completed in 1999. Its highly contemporary main façade contrasts with its 13th-century Gothic style.
11. Rue de Béthune
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Velvet
Feel like shopping while you discover Lille? Head to Rue de Béthune, where you’ll find all the major chain stores. To refuel between stores, simply order a tasty Liège waffle from one of the street’s many stalls. Rue de Béthune also has two cinemas, which can be a good alternative on rainy days. The street is pedestrianized at all hours of the day and night, making it a particularly pleasant place to be!
12. Hospice Comtesse
Photo credit: Shutterstock / jan kranendonk
As its name suggests, the Hospice Comtesse is a former hospital dating back to medieval times. Founded by Countess Jeanne de Flandre in her own palace in 1237, it welcomed patients until 1939. Located in the Vieux Lille district, the Hospice Comtesse now houses a museum and bears witness to a bygone era. You’ll discover a 17th- and 18th-century Flemish house, art collections in the former nuns’ dormitory, and the 15th-century « salle des malades », where exhibitions are now regularly held.
13. Charles de Gaulle’s birthplace
Photo credit: Wikimedia – LPLT
Visiting Lille also means discovering a part of French history. Few know it, but elder statesman General de Gaulle was born in the home of his maternal grandparents in Lille in 1890. He spent many vacations there as a child, and always retained a special affection for his home town. This 19th-century bourgeois home is now a museum open to the public. History buffs? Add it to your list of must-see things to do in Lille!
Please note: the museum is currently closed for renovation. It will reopen on November 22, 2020, to mark the 130th anniversary of Charles de Gaulle’s birth.
How do I get to Lille?
From another French city
Lille is easy to reach from all major French cities:
- Train: Lille has two train stations, Lille-Europe and Lille-Flandres, both within walking distance of the city center.
- Bus: the bus station is located alongside the Lille-Europe TGV station.
- Plane: the airport is located outside the city, in Lesquin. You can reach the center of Lille in about 20 minutes by shuttle, VTC or cab.
- Car: Lille is easily accessible by car. From Paris, for example, just take the A1 and you’ll arrive in Lille after a 2h40-minute journey.
Looking for a flight? Don’t hesitate to visit the website of our partner, the Ulysse flight comparator!
Once on site
On site, you’ll find two metro lines, a tramway, buses and self-service bicycles, the V’Lille. For those wishing to get there by car, the city offers numerous underground parking lots.
And because visiting Lille isn’t just about seeing the sights, consider the City Pass for your stay. Valid for 24 or 48 hours, this pass allows you to discover the city while enjoying free admission to 30 sites and tourist attractions in Lille. The City Pass also gives you free use of the city’s public transport system.
Where to stay in Lille?
You’ve been seduced? Now all you have to do is find the best place to stay in Lille during your stay. Vieux-Lille is lively both day and night, offering a picturesque backdrop to the city’s many points of interest. The lively district of Lille-Centre is the local choice. It offers quick access to train stations, shops, bars and many places of interest. To be as close as possible to both stations, you can also opt for the business district, Euralille. Finally, if you’re looking for calm and greenery, you’ll fall under the spell of the Bois Blancs residential district, crossed by the Deûle river and canal.
Hotels or Airbnb, the choice is manifold. To find your ideal accommodation at the best price, visit this hotel comparison site!
You now have all the information you need to visit Lille. And what are your favourite must-sees?
Map of hotels and accommodation – Lille,fr