The capital of the Hauts-de-France region, Lille’s mix of Gallic and Flemish sensibilities is visible in the Grand Place's striking architecture; the cobblestoned beauty of its Old Town (known as Vieille Lille); and culinary preferences, which skew towards carbonnade, mussels, and beer. Home to one of France’s largest student populations, Lille’s open and youthful energy is complemented by its wealth of culture: the Palais des Beaux Arts houses France’s second-largest art collection after the Louvre, while admiring modern and contemporary art at LaM is one of the top things to do in Lille.
The most popular time to visit Lille is in June and July, when the warm summer temperatures and sunlight make exploring the city’s picturesque, Flemish-inspired Old Town pleasant. That said, it’s also a good idea to aim for the shoulder season: Spring sees the arrival of the Lille 3000 Biennale, while September is host to the enormously popular Lille Flea Market, among the largest flea markets in France.
Lille has a robust public transportation network comprising two metro lines, two tram lines, and dozens of bus routes. The city is served by the Lille Airport and two train stations—the regional Lille-Flandres Station and the international Lille-Europe station which, thanks to Eurostar services, connects the city with destinations including Paris, London, and Brussels. Much of Lille’s Old Town (Vieux-Lille) is best explored on foot or by bike.
If you have time to spare during your Lille trip, it’s worth hopping on a quick train to the adjacent city of Roubaix, which was once the heart of France’s textile industry and has since been reborn as a cutting-edge arts destination. Head to La Piscine, a swimming pool turned into a museum of arts and industry, and visit Le Vestiaire, where dozens of independent fashion designers show off their wares.
Attractions 20 | Tours 33 | Reviews 492 |
Lille is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region and is located near the Belgian border. It is a lively university city and cultural hub. It’s renowned for the Flemish-inspired architecture of its Old Town, its vibrant nightlife scene, and its boundary-pushing art museums.
...MoreThere’s much to do in vibrant Lille. Begin your day exploring its Old Town, Vieux Lille (including highlights like the UNESCO-listed Lille Town Hall) on foot. In the afternoon, visit an art museum such as the Lille Museum of Fine Arts before enjoying dinner and drinks out on the town.
...MoreThere’s plenty to do beyond Lille’s central Old Town. The Citadel is a major military landmark dating to the 17th century, while top museums—including La Piscine Museum and Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art—are located on the outskirts. Neighboring Roubaix boasts historical landmarks and cycling history, too.
...MoreYes, Lille is absolutely worth visiting. The city is sizable for France, and its historic Old Town is packed with medieval landmarks and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a university city, Lille is also vibrant, with cutting-edge museums and top-rated restaurants.
...MoreYes, Lille is a very nice city. Its Old Town, Vieux Lille, is renowned for scenic cobblestone streets, Flemish-inspired medieval architecture, and highlights like the UNESCO-listed Town Hall. Its Michelin-starred restaurants, many leading art museums, shopping streets, and markets are further draws.
...MoreYes, Lille is a great place for tourists, though compared to hubs like Paris and Lyon, it is an underrated destination. Visitors who make the trip will discover plenty to be impressed by, from Lille’s UNESCO site and medieval Old Town to its dynamic restaurant, shopping, and cultural scenes.
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