An easy day trip from Paris (or London!), this guide to one day in Lille rounds up my top things to see after spending a long weekend exploring the city.
Lille was a pleasant surprise. It had always been on my “maybe someday” list, but wasn’t until a friend from London called and said she found cheap Eurostar tickets for the weekend that I finally made the trip, after years of traveling around France.
Lille is mid-size city on the border of France and Belgium. The old town is filled with Flemish-style buildings, trendy shops, and a cool restaurant scene. It feels like the kind of place Parisians might move to when they want a big-city vibe with a small-town pace.
This itinerary covers the best streets, museums, bakeries, and restaurants to check out with one day in Lille.
One Day in Lille Quick List
Stay: Clarance Hotel; Au Cœur de Lille; Grand Hôtel Bellevue
Do: Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral; La Vieille Bourse; La Piscine Museum; Méert
Eat: Bistrot Brigand; Pulpe; Restaurant Suzanne
One Day in Lille Itinerary
Breakfast at Paddo Caffe
For a not-so-traditional French breakfast, Paddo Caffe brings Australia to Vieux-Lille with its Sydney inspired brunch menu. From avocado toasts to stacked granola bowls topped with nut butters, the menu has everything you could want if you’re needing a break from buttery croissants.
They have a couple of locations in Lille – I went to their cafe at Treille park and snagged one of the outdoor tables with a view of the cathedral. It gets busy on the weekends, and they don’t take reservations, so you may have to wait if you arrive around peak brunch time.
If you are hoping for something quick and more French inspired, take a look at my restaurant and bakery suggestions at the end of the itinerary.
Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral
Notre-Dame de la Treille is a striking cathedral that unexpectedly blends neo-Gothic and modern design. It took 145 years to build, and the architecture reflects the mix of styles from across the two centuries it spans.
What really makes it stand out is the front facade. A large glass panel and a modern rose window by artist Ladislas Kijno flood the space with light, softening the weight of the otherwise gray structure.
I know church fatigue is real when traveling, but this one is worth a stop.
La Vieille Bourse
In the heart of Lille’s central square, the Vieille Bourse, or Old Stock Exchange, is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. Built in the 17th century while under Spanish rule, the brick facade is covered in Renaissance-era details like hanging fruits, ribbons, and other decorated flourishes.
Vieille Bourse Book Market
Inside the courtyard of the Vieille Bourse, you’ll find a secondhand book market open Tuesday to Sunday from 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with a variety of books, handwritten postcards, vintage posters, botanical prints, and random items like DVDs.
The selection can be a hit or miss, but a couple of sellers had some really nice posters and prints that I almost brought back to Paris with me.
Explore the Old Town
Old Town Lille is full of charm, with its Flemish-style brick row houses, cobblestoned lanes, and boutique shops around every corner.
Here are a few streets and squares that you won’t want to miss:
- The Belfry – You can climb this for panoramic views of the city.
- Place aux Oignons – One of the prettiest little squares in the old town.
- Passage des Arts – A tucked-away passage with galleries and shops.
- Rue de la Clef – Lined with boutiques and cafes.
- Rue de la Monnaie – A lively street perfect for strolling and shopping.
- Grand Place – The main square in Lille and a great spot to sit and people-watch.
Stop for Lunch
Grab something quick for lunch. Bart-Foccacia makes loaded Italian-style foccacia sandwiches, stuffed with combos like mozzarella, tomatoes, salami, basil, and all the other Italian goodness.
There’s no shortage of bakeries in Lille, if you’re hoping to get a baguette sandwich on the go. You can stop into the very first Paul Bakery in France. It’s now a popular chain, but I still enjoy their sandwiches and salads.
La Piscine Museum
Your next stop takes you just outside Lille to the city of Roubaix. It’s a 30-minute metro ride from the center, but La Piscine makes the journey well worth it.
Housed in a former 1930s Art Deco swimming pool, this museum is one of the coolest I’ve visited in France – not just for the setting, but also for the well curated collection.
The centerpiece is the original mosaic-tiled pool, flanked by sculptures and bathed in warm light from two large sunburst windows that reflect soft yellows and oranges onto the water.
In the old shower rooms, you’ll find exhibits of ceramics, textiles, and clothing. I was especially impressed by the ceramics collection, which includes pieces by Picasso and other modern artists.
This was a highlight of my time in Lille. If you’d rather stay in town, the Musée des Beaux-Arts is another great option.
Getting there: Take the M2 metro line from Lille Flandres, near the main train station, to Gare Jean Lebas. It’s a short walk from here to the museum. You can purchase metro tickets at the station via cash or card.
Méert
By the time you get back to Lille from Roubaix, it’ll likely be mid to late afternoon, which means it’s time for a pastry break (at least, that’s how I like to travel).
Méert is a lovely sweet shop that sells everything from chocolate and tea to pastries and their famous filled waffles. They’re best known for a thin waffle cookie stuffed with vanilla cream, a small treat you can enjoy on the go if you’re just looking for something light.
I recommend grabbing a table inside their tea room and ordering a few pastries along with something to drink. I had the mocha, and my husband and friend tried the cold hot chocolate – surprisingly delicious, even though we were skeptical at first.
The tea room itself is beautiful, decorated with 18th-century details. Even if you don’t stay for a bite, it’s worth stepping inside just to see the space.
Stroll Through the Park
On a nice day, the parks in Lille are a good place to take a break or go for a walk. We enjoyed wandering around La Citadelle, a spacious park with a small zoo, a canal, and even an active military fortress.
Jardin Vauban is another nearby option, with a wide grassy area that’s perfect for relaxing or laying out for a bit.
Dinner
For dinner, go with something local. We ate at Estaminet La CH’TITE BRIGITTE, a cozy, tavern-style restaurant that serves mostly traditional northern French dishes.
We ordered a few things to share. The carbonade flamande, a hearty beef stew, was the dish I was most excited about, and it didn’t disappoint. Rich, comforting, and full of flavor. The poulet au maroilles was a table favorite – chicken cooked in a local cheese from northern France. It was definitely on the heavier side, but the flavor was so good. We also tried the flamiche, a savory stuffed pie, and went with the leek version.
Another spot we liked was Brasserie Campion. The food here is typical French fare. I had a light fish dish, and my husband ordered a croque monsieur-style crêpe, which we all loved.
For both restaurants, I recommend booking a table in advance.
Restaurants & Bakeries in Lille
I had a whole list of places to try in Lille and was only able to make it to a handful of them. Here’s a roundup of bakeries and restaurants to consider. The ones I’ve personally tried are marked with an asterisk.
Bakeries
Restaurants
- Bistrot Brigand
- Pulpe
- Restaurant Suzanne
- Sympa
- Brasserie Campion*
- Estaminet La CH’TITE BRIGITTE*
- Paddo Caffe*
Where to Stay
Staying in Old Town Lille is the best option for a quick trip. Here are a few of my hotel picks:
- Clarance Hotel – A luxury five-star hotel with elegant rooms and top-tier service.
- Au Cœur de Lille – A charming boutique stay in the heart of the old town.
- Grand Hôtel Bellevue – Classic and well-located, right on the main square with beautiful views.
How to get Around Lille
You can easily get around Old Town Lille on foot. It’s compact, and everything is within a 10 to 20 minute walk. There is an underground metro system, but if you’re staying in the center, you probably won’t need it.
That said, if you’re following this itinerary and planning to visit La Piscine museum in Roubaix, you’ll want to take the metro to get there. You can purchase tickets at the metro station by cash or card.
The train station is also very central – it’s only about a 5 to 10 minute walk to the main square.
How to get to Lille
The most convenient way to get to Lille for a day trip is by train. If you’re coming within France, take the train to Lille Flandres station, which is right in the center of town. If you’re arriving from the UK, you’ll take the Eurostar to Lille Europe station. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from Lille Flandres.
If you’re flying in, Lille Airport is just a 15-minute drive from the city center, depending on traffic. You can also take the airport shuttle or hop on public bus #68 to get into town.
When to Visit Lille
Spring through fall is the prettiest time to visit Lille. We went in mid-June and had mostly rain and cloudy skies, but that’s pretty typical for the very north of France. Because most of the activities here involve walking around and hopping between museums, really any time of year works. With that said, I do think Lille is at its best during the warmer months.
Grande Braderie de Lille: Every September, Lille transforms into one of the world’s largest flea markets for a weekend. If that’s something you’re interested in, plan your visit around those dates. But if flea markets aren’t your thing, I’d avoid that weekend – it’s extremely busy.