Lille City France Guide: What to See, Do, and Eat in Northern France

Jessica George
Jessica George 9 Min Read

Lille, France, is a lively and romantic city in northern France. Famous for its rich history, lovely buildings, and welcoming atmosphere, Lille City France, caters to all tastes. Whether you are a museum lover, a shopaholic, or simply someone who enjoys walking through pleasant streets, this city will not leave you disappointed. In this guide, you will find out things to do in Lille, what to visit, do, and eat in Lille City France

Discover the Old Town of Lille

One of the best places to start your tours in Lille City, France, is the Vieux Lille, or the old quarter. The area is replete with cobblestone narrow streets, old painted buildings, and little shops. The area is ideal for a stroll while you acclimatise yourself to the atmosphere. Don’t miss the Grand Place, Lille City, France’s city square. You will be able to view charming buildings and loads of cafes where you can sit and watch.

Another place of interest in the old town is the Vieille Bourse or the Old Stock Exchange. The structure is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. You can find second-hand books or even chess players there. The entire old town neighbourhood is beautiful and lively.

Visit Historic Sites and Famous Museums

Numerous museums in Lille City France, reflect the richness of culture. The Palais des Beaux Arts is France‘s most significant art museum. The museum consists of paintings, sculptures, and works of art by local artists and international artists. The structure itself is breathtaking and a place to visit.

Near the old town lies the Notre Dame de la Treille Cathedral. This church is special in that it contains ancient Gothic architecture blended with contemporary art. Through its glass windows, sunlight penetrates and lights up the interior with multi-colored light, and the atmosphere is serene and magical.

Lille Citadel is another favourite spot. This old fort is surrounded by walks and parks. You can’t go into the fortress, but the grounds surrounding it are ideal for a peaceful picnic or stroll. You’ll also have animals and a mini-zoo nearby, so it’s a great place to stop with the children.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Lille City France, is famous for its cuisine. The best way to try it is by going to an old Flemish pub named an estaminet. Regional specialities with loads of flavour are available at the estaminets. Carbonnade flamande, beef stew cooked in beer, should not be missed. Welsh, beer-soaked bread covered with ham and melted cheese, is a hit as well.If you are a seafood lover, you may have moules frites, mussels with fried fries. Waffles and pastries are readily available in bakeries and cafes and can be consumed with a coffee for something light. Lille City, France, is also known for an apple pie they have called tarte au maroilles. Ensure you request some of the local beers that usually accompany the meal.

Join Local Festivals and Activities

Lille City, France, holds many vibrant events throughout the year. Its most famous one is the Braderie de Lille, which takes place every September. The largest flea market in Europe, the Braderie de Lille, brings visitors from the farthest reaches of the world. You can walk for hours down rows of old antique stalls, fashion goods, and all manner of treasures you can think of.

Another thrilling activity is Lille Three Thousand. This is a feast of art and culture that occurs every couple of years. Lights, music, and exhibitions sweep the city. If you are there in the winter season, you get to experience the Lille Christmas Market. The market overflows the city centre with decorations, food stalls, and a festive, warm environment.

Shop in Lille

Lille City, France, is a great city for shopping. The old town features a lot of small boutiques and fashion houses. You can find great streets for antique and vintage clothing. If you need to shop at the big-brand outlets, you ought to go to the new city called Euralille. Huge shopping malls and many restaurants abound in Euralille.Another great place to shop is the Wazemmes Market. It’s one of the most active and busiest markets in Lille, France. There, you can purchase fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, and even apparel or home furnishings. The market is particularly bustling on Sundays when the residents get together to have lunch and hear music.

Easy Day Trips from Lille

Lille City, France, is well situated if you wish to see more of northern France and other nations. You can get from Lille City, France, to Brussels or Amsterdam within a few hours via the Eurostar train. Visiting three nations at the same time is simple.

Just a short distance outside of Lille City, France, lies the town of Roubaix. It’s famous for the La Piscine Museum, which used to be a swimming pool. Now, it’s crowded with lovely sculptures and paintings. You may also care to visit Villa Cavrois, a modernist villa with an odd architecture.

Another excellent choice is the town of Arras. The town itself has a wonderful central square and a well-known bell tower. You can visit the tunnels that run beneath the town, which were utilised during World War One, too. Nearby to the town, there is also the city of Lens that possesses the Louvre Lens Museum. The museum is filled with artwork from the Louvre in Paris and is ideal for those who adore art.

If you wish to cross the border, go on a day trip to Ypres in Belgium. The town is famous for its World War One heritage. You can visit the In Flanders Fields Museum and observe numerous war monuments and cemeteries.

Make the Most of the City Centre

In Lille City, France, the city centre is where everything happens. You can see historic sites, vibrant restaurants and intimate cafes all from one central point. It is simple to walk around, and you won’t have to travel too far to discover something of interest. Take a bit of time to sit and watch the people at the square or treat yourself to a relaxing lunch at a brasserie.

Conclusion

Lille City, France, is one of those towns where old merges with new. You can fill the day pottering around the museum and old-style backstreets, and then treat yourself to dinner afterwards. On its easy-going train links and welcoming ambience, Lille City, France, offers an ideal place for a weekender or just a leg en route to longer European journeys. From reasonable fodder to festivals and things to do in Lille, Lille City, France, offers it all. Make sure that you put this northern gem on your holiday planners.

Share This Article
Leave a Comment