The 13 essential things to do in Lille

Are you planning to visit Lille? You can't be bored with this list of the 13 must-sees in the capital of the Hauts-de-France!

Lille takes advantage of a situation of choice, at the crossroads of major European cities such as Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and London. She is internationally known for her great brewery that is organized every year in September. But this French city, close to the Belgian border, deserves to be stopped for many other reasons. It is said from Lille that its history and heritage are rich, its varied architecture, its extraordinary atmosphere and that the reception is inimitable. And we confirm!

Are you planning a stay in the capital of Hauts-de-France? Here is our selection of the 13 essential things to do in Lille.

1. The belfry of the city hotel

With a height of 104 meters, the belfry of the Lille City Hall is the highest belfry in the region. It is not only considered a symbol of freedom for all the communes of the Hauts-de-France, but also as a landmark in the city. Built in the two-war period, the city hotel combines traditional Flemish architecture and modern material, reinforced concrete. His belfry, on which the two founders of Lille (Lydéric and Phinaert) are carved, is classified as Unesco’s world heritage. From the top of its summit you can enjoy a 360° view of the city and its surroundings: a beautiful way to visit Lille from another angle. Keep your ear, you may hear his sounding carillon!

2. La Grand’Place

No, this is not a typing error. The Grand Place, without “e”, is the name usually given to the central square of a city in the north of France, Belgium and the Netherlands. His official name is the Place du Général-de-Gaulle, in tribute to the famous native man of Lille. The Grand Place de Lille is located and is the heart of the city. This is where the immense large wheel is installed during Christmas. The rest of the year, it is a meeting place, at the foot of the statue of the goddess erected in 1842, and of passage for the Lillois. You will understand that, the Grand Place is a lively and unmissable place in Lille.

3. The Old Scholarship

Let us continue our visit of the must-sees to be made in Lille in the centre of the city, at the Old Bourse. Located between the Grand Place and the Place du Théâtre, the Old Bourse is a set of Flemish Renaissance buildings. This monument was built at the request of the rich merchants of the region from 1652. Its small courtyard, surrounded by 4 gates and 24 identical homes, now hosts chess players and booksellers. In the summer evenings, tango classes are sometimes organized. Don't miss its colourful sculpted facades, as well as its fascinating atmosphere if you plan to visit Lille!

4. The Palace of Fine Arts

If the rain comes during your stay, enjoy this opportunity to visit Lille via the Beaux-Arts Palace. You will find it on the Place de la République, facing the North Prefecture. With its many prestigious paintings, it is considered one of the richest French museums. Looking at the aisles of this magnificent 19th century palace, you can admire large collections of European works, including Flemish and Dutch. Rubens, Goya, Delacroix, Courbet, but also Rodin and Claudel are some of the great artists exhibited in the permanent collection. Do not hesitate to ask you about temporary exhibitions during your visit!

5. Old Lille

Imagine charming paved streets lined by magnificent constructions with Flemish architecture and expanses on nearly 2 km2. There you are in Old Lille! This is undoubtedly the city’s unmissable neighbourhood. Its brick and stone facades testify to the past of the city, from the 14th to the 20th century. The Old Lille is a neighborhood as popular as visitors. It is full of art galleries, small boutiques and luxury shops, as well as very popular cafés, bars and restaurants. To visit Lille, make purchases or just stroll, we can only recommend you to take a tour in the Old Lille.

6. The Wazemmes market

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday morning, the Wazemmes market attracts the crowd for its popular and colorful market. You will find everything, fruits and vegetables to textiles, as well as local products or elsewhere. The Wazemmes market is renowned for its friendliness and is an immanquable during a stay in Lille.

7. The Citadel

Are you wondering what things to do in Lille? Direction la Citadelle, hidden by the greenery of its park and Bois de Boulogne. On the orders of Louis XIV, the Citadel of Lille was built by Vauban, who himself called it “the queen of the citadels”, in the 17th century. In star shape and surrounded by five bastions, it was built to protect the city of Lille after its conquest. The days of good weather, it is a privileged place of the Lillois·es.

8. Rehabilitated places

Lille has always been an industrial land, especially 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 by giving a second artistic and/or cultural life to many industrial sites. These rehabilitated places include:

• The Tripostal : this former mail sorting building was transformed into a contemporary art exhibition room and a showroom.
• La Gare Saint-Sauveur : This former freight station now houses a bar, a cinema and an exhibition hall.
• The Folie Houses of Wazemmes and Moulins : these old textiles have become cultural and exchange places with the aim of highlighting popular cultures.

9. Beer and culinary specialties

Beer lovers will find their happiness in all the breweries of the city that serve as excellent local and Belgian beers. But why should we just taste it and not learn about the brewery? After the discovery of beer theoretically following François's explanations, go to practice and design the malt that will serve to make your own beer! After this training 4h for the sum of 50€ , the brew of the beer will no longer have any secrets for you.

Visiting Lille is also discovering rich culinary specialties inspired by Flemish gastronomy. On the menu of an estaminet, a typical restaurant in the region, you will find, among other things, potjevleesch or waterzoï, Flemish carbonnade, welsh (galolic origin plate), Maroilles pie, or the must-have mussels during the great braderie. For dessert, try the marvelous of Fred, unless you prefer the waffles of Maison Meert?

10. The churches

Like all major cities in France, Lille also has its lot of remarkable churches. Two of them are particularly worth a look if you are looking for what to do in Lille:

• Saint-Maurice church : built between the 14th and the 20th century in a neo-Gothic style, this church is located a few meters from the Lille-Flanders train station. Its windows inside are impressive.
• Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral This atypical church dedicated to the Virgin was completed only in 1999. Its main very contemporary façade contrasts with its 13th century Gothic style.

11. The street of Béthune

Want to go shopping during your discovery of Lille? Visit the street of Béthune where you will find all the major chain stores. For two shops, you can order a delicious waffle from Liège at one of the many stands on the street. The street of Béthune also has two cinemas, which can be a good alternative on rainy days. This street is pedestrian every day and at any time, which makes it particularly pleasant!

12. Hospice Comtesse

As his name suggests, the Hospice Comtesse is a former hospital dating back to medieval times. Founded by Countess Jeanne de Flanders in his own palace in 1237, he welcomed patients until 1939. Located in the Old Lille district, Hospice Comtesse now houses a museum and is a testament to a period of time. You will discover a Flemish house of the 17th and 18th centuries, art collections in the former dormitory of the nuns, as well as the “salle of the sick” dating from the 15th century where exhibitions are now regularly organized.

13. The home of Charles de Gaulle

Visiting Lille is also a part of France’s history. Few know, but General de Gaulle, a former state man, was born in the house of his maternal grandparents in Lille in 1890. There have been many holidays being a child and has always kept a special affection for his home town. This 19th century bourgeois residence is today a museum open to the public. Passionate about history? Do not hesitate to add it to your list of essential things to do in Lille!

Note : the museum is currently closed for renovation. He will reopen his doors on November 22, 2020, on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the birth of Charles de Gaulle.

How to get to Lille?

From another French city

It is possible to reach Lille very easily from major French cities:

• Train : Lille has two stations, Lille-Europe and Lille-Flandres, both within walking distance of the city centre.
• Bus : the bus station is located along the TGV train station Lille-Europe.
• Aircraft : the airport is located outside the city, in Lesquin. You will arrive in the center of Lille, after about 20 minutes drive, by shuttle, VTC or by taxi.
• Car: Lille is easily accessible by car. From Paris, for example, just borrow the A1 before arriving in Lille after 2h40.

Are you looking for a flight? Do not hesitate to consult our partner’s website, the flight comparison Ulysses !

Once on site

On site you will find two metro lines, a tram, buses and self-service bikes, the V’Lille. For those who would like to go by car, the city offers many underground parking lots.

Also, and because visiting Lille is not just a monument, think of the City Pass for your stay. Valid 24h or 48h, this pass allows you to discover the city while enjoying a free entrance for 30 sights and tourist attractions in Lille. The City Pass also offers free public transport.

Where to stay in Lille?

Are you seduced? You only have to find the best place to sleep in Lille during your stay. The Vieux-Lille, living from day to night, offers a picturesque setting and welcomes various points of interest in the city. The lively district of Lille-Centre is the choice of proximity. It allows you to quickly reach stations, shops, bars and many places of interest. To be close to the two stations, you can also opt for the business district, Euralille. Finally, if you are looking for calm and greenery, you will fall under the charm of the residential area of Bois Blancs, crossed by the river deûle and the canal.

Hotels or Airbnb , the choice is multiple. To find your ideal accommodation at the best price, visit this site Compare hotels !

You now have the cards in your hands to visit Lille. What are your favourites?