Lille is one of France’s most underrated cultural gems. Just an hour by train from Paris or an hour and a half from London, it’s a worthwhile weekend getaway.
The museums here rival those in Paris, the Palais des Beaux Arts, for example, is one of the largest in the country. The food scene is top notch – a mix between traditional and inventive. You can try local dishes at an estaminet one night, Lille’s version of a tavern, and then dine at a modern, fine dining spot the next.
Lille was never on my radar, but after a long weekend trip, I’m convinced it should be on everyone’s. The city is charming yet current, with a trendy, cool vibe. It’s the kind of place that makes you think, “I could live here.”
Here are the best things to do in Lille, France.
Things to do in Lille Quick List
Stay: Clarance Hotel; Au Cœur de Lille; Grand Hôtel Bellevue
Do: La Vieille Bourse; La Piscine Museum; The Citadel; Marché de Wazemmes; Méert
Eat: Bistrot Brigand; Pulpe; Restaurant Suzanne
Best Things to do in Lille
1. La Vieille Bourse
A 17th-century building in Lille’s main square, the Vieille Bourse, or Old Stock Exchange, is one of the city’s most decorated buildings. Built during Spanish rule, the brick façade is covered with Renaissance details, from carved garlands and ribbons to sculpted fruit and ornamental 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 to 7:00 PM. It’s full of vintage finds like old books, handwritten postcards, cinema posters, botanical prints, and even the occasional DVD.
The selection can be hit or miss, but a few sellers had great prints and posters that I almost brought back to Paris with me.
2. Palais des Beaux Arts
The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille is one of the largest art museums in France, housed in a grand Belle Époque building. Its collection covers everything from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, with works by Goya and Delacroix, plus a sculpture gallery featuring pieces by Rodin.
I especially liked the ceramics hall and the sculpture gallery, both well curated. You could easily spend a few hours here, though if you’re short on time and can only pick one museum in Lille, I’d personally choose La Piscine.
For opening hours and ticket prices, visit the official website.
3. La Piscine Museum
La Piscine Museum is housed inside a former 1930s Art Deco swimming pool, and it’s easily one of the coolest museums I’ve visited in France. The architecture alone is reason to go, but the art collection more than lives up to it.
At the center is the original mosaic-tiled pool, flanked by sculptures and lit by two large sunburst windows that cost a soft, golden glow over the water.
The old shower rooms exhibit ceramics, textiles, and vintage clothing. The ceramics collection was impressive, with pieces by Picasso and other notable modern artists.
For ticket prices and opening hours, visit the official website.
Getting there: This museum is located in Roubaix, which is 30 minutes outside of Lille by train. 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
Read More: One Day in Lille Itinerary
4. Explore the Old Town
Old Town Lille may be French at heart, buts its Flemish roots are hard to miss. Brick row houses, narrow cobblestoned streets, and gabled facades give the neighborhood a distinct charm.
Lille feels more like the Marais, a trendy neighborhood in Paris, than a small city up north, with cool eateries, design shops, and independent boutiques.
Here are a few streets and squares to explore:
- Grand Place – The main square in Lille and a great spot to sit and people-watch.
- 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.
5. The Citadel
La Citadelle is one of Lille’s largest green spaces, just a short walk from the old town. There’s a small zoo, a tree-lined canal, plenty of shaded paths, and even a working military fortress.
If you’re planning a picnic, head over to the nearby Jardin Vauban. It’s smaller and more manicured, with wide grassy lawns that are perfect for spreading out a blanket for a lazy afternoon.
6. Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle
Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle is the birthplace of General Charles de Gaulle, one of France’s most important historical figures. On a quiet street in Old Lille, the restored 19th-century home offers a glimpse into his early life with period furnishings, family photographs, and personal memorabilia.
You can explore the rooms where de Gaulle spent his childhood and learn about his legacy through exhibits that trace his path from Lille to the French presidency.
For more information and opening hours, visit the museum’s official website.
7. Marché de Wazemmes
The Marché de Wazemmes is a covered market open daily (except Monday), while the larger open-air market takes place on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings.
8. Méert
Méert is a confectionary shop known for its beautifully packaged chocolates, elegant pastries, and signature vanilla-filled waffles. We gave the waffle a try and liked it, though I have to admit, I preferred the pastries.
Grab a table in their tea room and order a few things to share. We especially liked the chocolate drinks, including the mocha and surprisingly good cold hot chocolate.
The shop’s interior is stunning, with ornate 18th-century details. Even if you’re not in the mood for something sweet, make sure to take a peek inside.
9. Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral
Notre-Dame de la Treille is a unique 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.
Read More: 2 Days in Lille
10. Église Saint-Maurice de Lille
A short walk from the main train station, this Gothic-style church was built over the course of four centuries. It’s worth a quick look inside to see the colorful stained glass windows.
11. Beffroi de Lille
Towering 104 meters above lille, the top of the Belfry is where you’ll find the best views of Lille. You can either climb the whole way up or take the elevator after the first 109 steps
Make sure to reserve tickets online in advance.
12. LaM – Lille Métropole Museum of Modern Art
Located just outside the city, LaM is Lille’s modern and contemporary art museum, with a bold collection that includes paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The museum is currently closed for renovations and is expected to reopen in early 2026.
For updates and reopening details, check the official museum website.
13. Grande Braderie de Lille
If you’re visiting Lille in September, plan your trip around the Grande Braderie. One of the largest flea markets in the world, it takes over the entire city for the weekend, with thousands of stalls selling everything from antiques to vintage clothes.
The dish of the weekend is Moules-frites. Mussels and fries. You’ll find it everywhere, so make sure to come ready to eat and shop.
Check the dates for the next market here.
Where to Eat in Lille
I had a long list of restaurants and bakeries I wanted to try in Lille, and while I didn’t make it to all of them, the ones I did were fantastic. I highly recommend Estaminet la CH’TITE BRIGITTE to try traditional cuisine. We loved the carbonade flamande, a hearty beef stew.
For brunch, head to Paddo Caffe. Their breakfast toasts and granola bowls do not disappoint. L’Ogre de Carrouselberg was our favorite bakery overall.
Restaurants
- Bistrot Brigand
- Pulpe
- Restaurant Suzanne
- Sympa
- Brasserie Campion
- Estaminet La CH’TITE BRIGITTE
- Paddo Caffe
- Bart-Foccacia
Bakeries
Where to Stay
I recommend staying in Old Town Lille. 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
Walking is the best way to get around Old Town Lille. It’s compact and everything is within 10 to 20 minutes. There is an underground metro system, but if you’re staying in the center, you probably won’t need it.
If you’re 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 main train station, Lille Flanders, is also very central – it’s only about a 5 to 10 minute walk to the main square from the station.
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How to Get to Lille
The easiest way to get to Lille is by train. If you’re traveling within France, book a ticket to Lille Flandres station, which is right in the center of town. Coming from the UK? The Eurostar will bring you to Lille Europe station in 1.5 hours, just a 15 -minute walk from the center.
If you’re flying in, Lille Airport is about a 15-minute drive from the city center. 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 best time to visit Lille. We went in mid-June and had mostly rain and cloudy skies, which is pretty typical for the north of France.
Since most of the city’s activities involve walking around and visiting museums, you can enjoy Lille year-round. Still, I think it’s at its most enjoyable during the warmer months when café terraces fill up and the streets are lively.