Is Lille Worth Visiting?

For an authentic and affordable Flemish adventure, look no further than the pretty northern French city of Lille.

For many people, Lille is little more than a transfer stop on the Eurostar. But ditch the train and explore this dynamic metropolis, and you’ll quickly get more than you bargained for. 

Nestled on the Belgian border, the pretty northern French city is quickly becoming a popular destination thanks to its great food, diverse architecture, and cultural quirks. 

Capital of the Hauts-de-France region, the city is built on the banks of the Deûle River in Flanders and has gained traction with travellers craving an authentic, affordable Flemish experience – a world away from the bright lights and flamboyant trappings of Paris.

With a vibrant international community, a bustling university and regular outdoor markets, Lille is full of heart. Here are six reasons to visit Lille, France. 

To get a feel for what to do in Lille, nothing beats a stroll through the city’s attractive Old Town. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Le Vieux Lille, and you’ll see everything from colourfully restored bourgeois terraces to decorative façades and baroque spires. 

Look out for Flemish influence in the pretty red and brown brickwork, dating back to the 1600s. We recommend sticking around until after dark when this area of town starts to come alive with after-work drinkers and revelling students. 

Arguably the most ornate building in the city, begin your historic trail at the 17th century La Vieille Bourse – a renaissance mansion and former stock exchange, famous for its decadent gold and red façade. 

From here, it’s a hop, skip and jump to the Grand Place, a market square boxed in by iconic buildings like the Théâtre du Nord and Art Deco Voix du Nord. For the best rooftop city views, scale the UNESCO World Heritage Beffroi de Lille at the Town Hall. 

As fascinating inside as it is out, the Palais des Beaux-Arts is a sprawling museum set within a 19th-century Belle Époque summer palace. Today, it houses works from great artists ranging from Monet to Picasso, and can easily command a full day of perusing. 

For something more contemporary, visit the modern cultural centre of Maison Folie Wazemmes or the Lille Métropole Museum of Modern Art (LaM). If you’re more interested in cultural history, check out the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle or the Musée de l’Institut Pasteur de Lille. 

Touting everything from flowers to fabrics, Marché de Wazemmes is one of the largest markets in France. Open every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday until 2 p.m., it’s a great place to mix with locals and bag a bargain. 

If you’re hunting for regional produce, check out the Marché Sebastopol on a Wednesday or Saturday, while book lovers will adore Marché de la Vielle Bourse.

Lille is the birthplace of Franco-Flemish cuisine, offering the best of northern French fare – from beer-stewed beef to fresh-caught shellfish. For everyday dining, sit shoulder-to-shoulder with locals at one of the many taverns.

Seafood lovers will find themselves right at home at gourmet restaurants, serving the finest fish around, while fromage and dessert fanatics will be delighted at the close-to-illimited gourmet offers.

As darkness descends, the city comes to life. For a seemingly endless array of pubs and bars, Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino are the go-to areas, while Le Vieux Lille offers colourful cafés and lesser-known venues of a quirkier variety. Enjoy the upbeat atmosphere of the many typical bars and cafés of the Old Town and embrace the city’s sizzling music scene by dancing the night away at one of the numerous local, hip clubs.

Are you visiting Lille in September? Discover more about the famous Braderie de Lille, Europe's largest flea market!