Lille

Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
29/08/2025
Sunny day in Lille's Old Town Square with people enjoying outdoor cafes under clear blue skies.
Matteo Angeloni, Pexels

Lille offers a captivating city break experience, renowned for its exquisite French and Flemish architecture, impressive art collections, and exceptional gastronomy. It is a cultural and commercial hub that provides a more relaxed yet vibrant alternative to larger European cities.

The Grand Place serves as the central hub for socializing with its numerous cafes and restaurants. The Old Lille district, with its cobbled streets, also offers a wide array of bars and cafes catering to a mixed crowd. For a younger, student-focused nightlife, the Masséna Solférino area is popular, while Wazemmes provides an alternative scene with its unique bars and bustling market atmosphere. Many pubs, micro-breweries, and clubs are located within walking distance, making it easy to experience the city's lively evenings.

Top 7 Things to do in Lille

The city offers a diverse range of cultural experiences, from exploring historic squares and architectural marvels to immersing oneself in world-class art collections and bustling local markets.

1. Strolling through Vieux-Lille (Old Lille) and Grand Place

Vieux-Lille, the city's historic core, invites visitors to wander through its charming, cobblestone streets lined with exquisite 17th-century Flemish-style buildings. One can discover independent boutiques, antique shops, and local eateries. The Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle) serves as the vibrant heart of the city, surrounded by ornate architecture, including the impressive Vieille Bourse, which often hosts a second-hand book market in its courtyard from Tuesday to Sunday, 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Evenings here sometimes feature outdoor tango dancing. The area is perfect for enjoying a coffee, people-watching, and soaking in the city's unique ambiance.

Cost: Free to explore. Guided walking tours of Old Lille are available, with some 'free' (tip-based) options or paid tours costing around €40.12 per person for a two-hour experience.

Transport: Vieux-Lille and Grand Place are centrally located and best explored on foot. They are within easy walking distance of Lille Flandres and Lille Europe train stations.

2. Visiting the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille

The Palais des Beaux-Arts houses France's second-largest art collection after the Louvre, offering an expansive journey through European art from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Visitors can admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Raphael, Donatello, Goya, Monet, and Picasso, alongside sculptures, drawings, and an impressive collection of city relief maps. The museum's grandeur and diverse exhibits make it a captivating experience for art enthusiasts.

Cost: General admission is €7. A concession rate of €4 is available for visitors aged 12-29, holders of a large family card, and for all visitors after 4:30 PM. Entry is free for children under 12 and on the first Sunday of every month.

Transport: The museum is located in the heart of Lille, on Place de la République. It is easily accessible via Metro Line 1 (République Beaux-Arts station) or by several bus lines (12, 18, Citadine de Lille, Liane 1 and 90). A taxi from Lille Europe or Lille Flandres train station costs approximately €6-€8 and takes around 3 minutes, or it is about a 10-15 minute walk.

3. Exploring Marché de Wazemmes

The Marché de Wazemmes offers a sensory and multicultural experience, known as one of France's largest and most vibrant markets. Visitors can wander through a diverse array of stalls selling fresh produce, international culinary specialties, textiles, and second-hand goods. On Sundays, the market expands significantly, spilling out from its covered hall onto Place de la Nouvelle-Aventure and surrounding streets, creating a particularly lively atmosphere. It is an authentic glimpse into local Lille life.

Cost: Entry is free. Costs for purchases vary.

Transport: The market is located in the Wazemmes district. One can reach it by taking Metro Line 1 to Gambetta station, which is a few minutes' walk away. It is also about a 25-minute walk from the city center.

4. Climbing the Lille Town Hall Belfry

The UNESCO-listed Lille Town Hall Belfry stands as a proud symbol of the city, offering panoramic views of Lille and stretching into Flanders from its 104-meter height. Visitors can choose to climb the approximately 400 steps or take an elevator for an easier ascent. The Art Deco architecture of the Town Hall itself, built after being damaged in World War I, is also notable.

Cost: Entrance fee applies (specific cost not consistently available in recent searches but typically part of city passes or a small fee).

Transport: The Belfry is located at the Town Hall, within walking distance of the city center. It is often included in Lille City Pass.

5. Discovering La Piscine Museum in Roubaix

La Piscine Museum offers a truly unique cultural experience, housed within a stunning Art Deco former public swimming pool. The museum showcases collections of 19th and 20th-century art, ceramics, textiles, and decorative arts, with the art displayed around the central pool basin. Even the former changing rooms have been transformed into exhibition spaces. The building's architecture alone is a significant draw.

Cost: Standard entry fee is around €9. Special rates may apply for SNCF Voyageurs TER Hauts-de-France ticket holders (€9).

Transport: Located in Roubaix, a short distance from Lille. Visitors can take Metro Line 2 to Gare Jean Lebas station, which is about 500 meters (5-7 minute walk) from the museum. Alternatively, a train from Lille Flandres to Roubaix takes about 9 minutes and costs €3-€6. Buses (Line 32 or Z6) also serve the 'Jean Lebas' stop.

6. Visiting Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille is a striking architectural landmark in Vieux-Lille, notable for its unique blend of traditional Gothic elements with a modern, unfinished facade completed in 1999. Visitors can explore its interior, admire the modern stained-glass windows, and experience the serenity of this significant religious site. While the main cathedral is free to enter, there is a charge to visit the Centre d'Art Sacré in the crypt.

Cost: Entry to the cathedral is free. There is a €6 charge to visit the Centre d'Art Sacré in the crypt.

Transport: The cathedral is located in Vieux-Lille, within easy walking distance of most city center attractions, including the Grand Place (10-minute walk). The nearest metro station is Rihour.

7. Exploring Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse

Housed in a former hospital founded in the 13th century by Jeanne, Countess of Flanders, the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse offers a glimpse into convent life and local history. The museum exhibits a collection of Flemish paintings, tapestries, wood sculptures, porcelain, and furnished rooms reflecting past centuries. It provides a quiet, introspective experience and a chance to appreciate historical architecture and artifacts.

Cost: Full price is €4 outside temporary exhibition periods, and €7 during. A reduced rate of €3 or €5 (depending on exhibition) is available for 12-25 year olds and large family cardholders. Entry is free for children under 12 and residents of Lille, Lomme, and Hellemmes on Sundays (for permanent collections).

Transport: Located in Vieux-Lille, the museum is easily accessible on foot from the city center. It is often included as a stop on walking tours of Old Lille.

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