Lille Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Michel Angot
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Corey Littlefair
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Pierre Torset
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Eric Larrayadieu
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Eric Larrayadieu

Experience the Flemish flair in the “Capitale des Flandres,” a sprawling city with an attractive Old Town, traditional markets, stately art museums and a citadel.

Lille is an architecturally superb city no longer seen as just an industrial metropolis. Retaining the convenience of a commercial hub, today one of France’s largest metropolitan areas highlights its heritage roots and breathtaking Flemish streetscape. Wander through the old city’s streets for a stunning display of heritage buildings, which house a collection of museums, galleries, hotels and restaurants. Try regional cuisine and enjoy the city’s nightlife, energized by the large student community.

Stroll along Le Vieux Lille’s historic city streets and investigate Flemish-influenced buildings tracing the city’s former Spanish Netherlands reign. Wander the stone-paved streets and notice brown-and-red brick façades and golden sandstone buildings. A notable example is the Palais des Beaux-Arts, a gorgeous museum filled with works by Goya, Rembrandt and Rubens within one of France’s largest art collections. See a contemporary collection of artworks at the Lille Métropole(LaM).

With a city heritage closely tied to the textiles industry, Lille is a fantastic place for shopping. Check out large retailers and forward-thinking new designers. La Grande Braderie is an eagerly awaited flea market that attracts thousands to the Old Town’s pedestrianized streets in the first weekend of September. Find year-round market action in the bustling Marché de Wazemmes. Pick up useful items ranging from fresh produce to furniture and electronics.

Visit Lille’s beautifully maintained botanical gardens, including a medicinal garden and a garden dating back to the 16th century. Lille’s largest public park and its compact zoo sit astride the massive fortress walls of the 17th-century Citadel.

Relax with a cup of coffee at one of Lille’s traditional terrace cafés. Sample Lilloise cuisine, including beer-stewed beef, or a more traditional Belgian meal of mussels and chips.

Lille is easy to reach by flights to the city’s international airport. It is located within a convenient railway triangle that links Paris, London and Brussels. Instead of passing through, disembark at Lille to experience the charms of this dynamic city in France’s far north.

Where to stay in Lille

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Lille Centre Ville

4/5(30 area reviews)

Art galleries, museums and historical sites highlight some notable features of Lille Centre Ville. Make a stop by Porte de Paris or Le Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Mairie de Lille Station or Rihour Station to get around town.

Lille Centre Ville
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Old Lille

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Shopping, historical sites and restaurants are some highlights of Old Lille. Make a stop by Le Musée de la Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle or Lille Cathedral while you're exploring.

Old Lille
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Historic Center

4.5/5(79 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Rihour Square and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Historic Center. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Rihour Station or Republique Beaux Arts Station.

Historic Center
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Le Marais

While Le Marais isn't home to many top sights, Citadel of Lille and Zoo Lille are some notable places to visit nearby.

Le Marais
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Lomme

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Lomme. Top attractions like Planet Bowling and Tao et Lina are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Bourg Station or Maison des Enfants Station to see more of the city.

Lomme
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Lille Centre

When in Lille Centre and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Auchan Villeneuve d'Ascq V2 or Le Splendid Concert Hall and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Square Flandres Metro Station or Hellemmes Station.

Lille Centre
Hotel Lille Europe

Hotel Lille Europe

3 out of 5
Avenue Le Corbusier, Allée de Liege, Lille, Nord
The price is Rp908.079 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
Rp908.079
Rp1.065.498 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Great location very close to Lille Europe and Lille Flanders train stations. Very short walk to get to old town (10 minutes walk). Basic hotel, but clean, quiet and comfortable. Small, but nice bathroom. Small room with minibar fridge. Air conditioning being installed right now which will be a bonus. ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Hotel Lille Europe
Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place

Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place

4 out of 5
2 Boulevard Carnot, Lille, Nord
The price is Rp1.701.074 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
Rp1.701.074
Rp1.975.135 total
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (752 reviews)
"Wasn't aware of the amazing balcony view of belfry tower. Nice cool older building in summer but with modern refit, really enjoyed our stay and will likely return if in Lille again."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place
OKKO Hotels Lille Centre

OKKO Hotels Lille Centre

4 out of 5
13 rue d'Amiens, Lille
The price is Rp1.615.161 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
Rp1.615.161
Rp1.880.631 total
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (541 reviews)
Nice hotel well located close to the city center
"Nice hotel, less than 10 minutes walking from the city center. They offer coffee, "munchies" and fruit throughout the day and small "plat apperitief" from 18:30. Bed is comfortable."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

OKKO Hotels Lille Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe

Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe

2 out of 5
271 Avenue Willy Brandt, Lille
Stay at this aparthotel in Lille. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Pierre Mauroy Stadium and L'Aeronef are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,125 reviews)
"Conveniently located near mall and transit. No AC unfortunately."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe
The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est

The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est

3 out of 5
161 Av. le Notre, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, Nord
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Villeneuve-d'Ascq. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (145 reviews)
Renard
"Très bien propre et confortable"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est
Cowool Lille Villeneuve D'Ascq - Ex Olivarius

Cowool Lille Villeneuve D'Ascq - Ex Olivarius

3 out of 5
Parc Haute Borne 6, avenue Halley, Villeneuve-d'Ascq
Stay at this 3-star golf aparthotel in Villeneuve-d'Ascq. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,552 reviews)
"Enjoyed the stay at this property, nice breakfast buffet options. Fun property for the family ."

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2025

Cowool Lille Villeneuve D'Ascq - Ex Olivarius
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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