Lille - Discovering France

Travelling to Lille

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Lille, a pretty good destination in France (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Lille and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Lille, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through France, here's everything to know about Lille for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Lille

Lille is a city located in the north of France, near the border with Belgium. It is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region and has a population of approximately 230,000 people. Lille is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly in regards to art, architecture, and cuisine. It is also famous for its large annual flea market, the Grande Braderie, which attracts millions of visitors every year. Additionally, Lille is home to several universities and is a major center for business and industry in the region.

What to visit in Lille

Sure, here are some of the tourist attractions in Lille, France: 1. The Old Town - The Old Town of Lille is one of the main tourist attractions, with its charming cobblestone streets, beautiful Flemish architecture, and bustling atmosphere.
2. Citadel of Lille - A stunning citadel constructed by the French in the 17th century. The citadel is surrounded by a moat and is presently used as a military facility. 3. The Palace of Fine Arts of Lille - The museum is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building and contains an excellent collection of art and sculptures, including works by Rubens, Van Gogh, and Delacroix.
4. Euralille - Euralille is a modern part of the city, notable for its sleek, contemporary architecture. Here you can find shops, restaurants, bars, and the high-speed train station.
5. Lille Zoo - Lille's zoo is one of the biggest in France and houses over 450 animals. It is a popular attraction for families and animal lovers.
6. Cathedral Notre-Dame de la Treille - This impressive cathedral is a blend of traditional Gothic and modern architecture. Many visitors come to admire the unique qualities of the building.
7. Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle - This birthplace of the French general Charles de Gaulle is now a museum dedicated to his life and achievements.
8. Parc de la Citadelle - A massive park located near the Citadel of Lille that is perfect for a picnic, jog, or walk. It includes a mini-golf course, animal park, and a playground.
9. Saint-Maurice, Lille - This ancient church dates from the 14th century, adorned with an oversized statue of the Virgin Mary.
10. Hospice Comtesse Museum - The museum is located in a 17th century hospital, has impressive collections of art and artifacts from throughout the city's history.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in France, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Lille.

When to go on holiday to Lille

The best time to visit Lille is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) months, when temperatures are mild and crowds are not too overwhelming. However, keep in mind that it can rain quite a bit during these months. Summers tend to be warm and sunny, but this also means higher tourist numbers and higher prices. If you don't mind the cold, winters can also offer a magical and festive atmosphere, especially around Christmas time.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Lille

There are several ways to get to Lille, France. Here are a few options: 1. By plane: The closest airport to Lille is the Lille-Lesquin Airport. From there, you can take a taxi, shuttle or the metro to get to the city center.
2. By train: Lille has two train stations: Lille Europe and Lille Flandres. Several high-speed trains connect Lille to Paris, Brussels, London and other major cities in Europe.
3. By bus: Bus companies such as FlixBus offer direct connections to Lille from several European cities.
4. By car: Lille is easy to access by car, thanks to its motorway connections. However, driving and parking in the city can be a bit challenging.
Regardless of which transportation method you choose, be sure to check the latest travel guidelines and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic before you depart.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Lille, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Lille

Here are some typical foods of Lille, France: 1. Carbonnade - This is a tasty stew made with beef, onions and beer. It's a typical comfort food of Lille.
2. Moules-frites - This is one of the most famous dishes of Lille, consisting of mussels served with fries. The dish is typically cooked with white wine, shallots, and cream, and is a favorite among locals.
3. Tarte au Maroilles - This dish is a savory pie made with Maroilles cheese, a local cheese from the region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. It's typically served with a salad and beer.
4. Waterzooi - This is a creamy soup made with chicken or fish, vegetables and cream. It's a popular dish in Lille and other cities in Belgium and the Netherlands.
5. Welsh rarebit - This is a dish made of toasted bread, topped with a creamy cheese sauce and often served with ham or bacon. It's a staple dish in Lille's pubs and bars.
6. Bêtises - Bêtises are pink and white candies that are famous in Lille. They are made with sugar and natural flavors like raspberry.
These are just a few typical dishes and foods you can find in Lille. You'll find plenty of other delicious dishes and local products in the region as well.
You can find general info about typical foods in France here.

Is Lille an expensive destination for tourists?

Lille, as a city in France, can be considered a bit pricey for tourists. However, the cost of your trip will depend on your specific preferences and budget. Some of the factors that could increase the overall cost of your trip to Lille could include accommodation, activities, and dining options. That being said, there are many ways to make your trip budget-friendly such as looking for deals on accommodation, visiting free attractions, and trying local street food. You can also save money on transportation costs by using public transport and walking around the city. Lille is a beautiful destination filled with interesting landmarks, delicious cuisine, and unique experiences, so it is definitely worth a visit regardless of its cost.

Where to find accomodation in Lille

The best areas to find accommodation in Lille, France, would primarily be Vieux-Lille (Old Lille) as it is the most picturesque and atmospheric area of the city, and the city center (Centre Ville), which is close to many of the attractions and amenities. Other neighborhoods include Wazemmes, which is a lively, multicultural area, and Euralille, which is more modern and business-oriented.
You can check hotel prices at Lille here:
Booking.com

Is Lille a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Lille is generally a safe place for tourists. As with any city, it is important to take basic safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye on your belongings. Petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas like train stations or busy streets, so it is wise to keep your valuables secure. However, violent crime is relatively rare in Lille, and visitors should feel safe exploring the city during the day and night.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in France here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Lille.

What type of travelers will enjoy Lille the most?

Lille is a city that has something to offer for all types of travelers. Here are some suggestions based on different groups: 1. Couples: Lille is a romantic city with a charming old town, beautiful architecture, cozy cafes, and excellent restaurants. Couples can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lille, explore the historic Citadel of Lille, or take a romantic boat ride along the canal.
2. Young people looking for fun: Lille is a lively city with a great nightlife scene. The streets are filled with bars and nightclubs where young people can have a good time. The city also hosts a number of music festivals, including the famous Braderie de Lille, a huge flea market with over 10,000 exhibitors.
3. Families: Lille has many attractions that are perfect for families. One of the most popular is the Parc de la Citadelle, a beautiful public park that has a zoo, a playground, and a large lake where visitors can rent boats. Families can also visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, an art museum that has a collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Overall, Lille is a city that can be enjoyed by all types of travelers.

How to get around Lille

In Lille, you can use public transportation such as buses, trams, and metro to move around the city. You can purchase tickets at ticket machines or at the transit company's office. Additionally, you can also hire a taxi or rent a bike to explore the city. Walking is also a great option for short distances as the city center is fairly compact and walkable.

What to see around Lille

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Lille: 1. Bruges, Belgium - This medieval town is only an hour away from Lille by train, and it's known for its canals, picturesque bridges, and stunning architecture.
2. Arras, France - Only 30 minutes from Lille by train, Arras is a beautiful city with a stunning town square, cobbled streets, and historic buildings.
3. Amiens, France - This lovely city boasts a stunning cathedral and charming old town. It's approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Lille by train.
4. Roubaix, France - This city is only 20 minutes away by metro from Lille and it's known for La Piscine Museum of Art and Industry, a former art deco swimming pool turned into an art museum.
5. Lens, France - The Louvre-Lens Museum is situated in this industrial city, just 30 minutes away by train from Lille. The museum offers works from the Louvre's impressive collection in Paris.
I hope that helps!
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