Discover the top things to do in Lille
‘I was in Lille for the weekend and it was surprise planned by the husband and my closest friends’ – I said to my work colleague on Monday morning thinking about the wonderful time I had just had. I never thought much of Lille apart from knowing that it was one of France’s major cities. But after spending a weekend in Lille, I must confess I know so much more about this historic, pretty and rather underrated French city. And if you plan to visit Lille, take a look at my top things to do in Lille. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Getting to Lille from either London, Paris or Brussels is super convenient mainly because of the Eurostar and the TGV and it is so much more hassle-free not having to go to the airport 2 hours in advance. Jumping on a train in one country and getting of it in another is just such an easy way of holidaying – I could get used to it.
We reached Lille around 9pm in the evening having left London St Pancras around 6pm. When we got to there, it was raining and pretty quiet , considering the locals were busy prepping for the big football match happening in Lille’s Stade Pierre Mauroy stadium over the weekend.rainy Lille, it was pretty quiet at Lille Europe station. A quick taxi ride into the city centre and we were in our Airbnb apartment while making plans for the next two days.
The next two days were spent exploring what Lille has to offer, and it does have lots both in terms of things to see and eat.
10 things to do in Lille
1. Vieux Lille
You know it when you are in the Old Town. The Flemish influences are visible immediately in Lille’s beautiful architecture. Before Lille became French in 1667, it was ruled by the Spanish, Burgandian and the Flemish. This rich history clearly shows in the building and the narrow lanes dotted with cafes and boulangeries makes it an extremely nice walk, not to mention very picturesque. While it is a big city, this part of Lille certainly has a small town feel to it and spending time here should definitely be on your top things to do in Lille. And with such friendly locals, you ‘d forget you are in a big city.
2. Grand Place
Grand Place definitely feels like the city’s meeting place, surrounded by some amazing buildings. Standing in the middle of the square is the famous statue of The Goddess – a statue commemorating the Austrian siege of Lille. Sipping on a coffee with a French pastry in one of the many cafes lining Grand Place is just the best way to take in Lille.
3. Old Stock Exchange
The Old Stock Exchange or La Vieille Bourse is one of the finest buildings around Grand Place. This beautiful building comprises of 24 ornately built identical residences with a rectangular inner courtyard.
This courtyard now houses second-hand booksellers and also is a place to challenge yourself to a game of chess.
4. Palais des Beaux Arts
The Palais des Beaux Arts is the largest museums outside Paris’s Louvre in France and boasts of some prestigious pieces of art by Raphael, Goya, Remebrandt and Van Dyck to name a few.
5. The Citadel
The Citadel of Lille is a quiet, green and lovely place to visit when in Lille. It was built literally to fortify the town of Lille when it was conquered by Louis IXV.
The park surrounding the Citadel is such a breath of fresh air. A good way to explore this beautiful almost forest like park is by hiring a bicycle. There is a bicycle point just outside by the canal where you can easily hire one out.
6. The Lille Zoo
The Lille Zoo is free to visit and is such a great place to see over 80 different species including monkeys, meerkat, zebras and a variety of birds. It is located within the Citadel park and makes for an unexpected but pleasant time.
7. Notre Dame de la Treille
This Gothic styled cathedral may look grey from outside but when you go inside you will be able to appreciate its beauty. Work on this cathedral was started in 1854 but was only finished in 1999. The tall stained glasses really are a thing of beauty with their intricate designs. It surely is one of the must see places in Lille.
8. Opera de Lille
Apart from being an architectural beauty and a magnet for the shutterbugs, the Opera de Lille always has some great shows running year long. Located near the Grand Place, this neoclassical beauty of a building is well worth visiting.
9. Beffroi de Lille
Looking for the best views of Lille, then the Belfry or Beffroi de Lille is your answer. Attached to the Hotel de Ville, this Art Deco building was once considered as a skyscraper in the 1930’s. Be prepared to climb over 100 steps before you get some beautiful views of the city of Lille. Well worth the effort considering all the French pastries you will ‘not’ feel guilty about eating after.
10. Window shopping
After all that sightseeing, wander over to Grand Place and the narrow lanes. Some really interesting small designer shops await you with French cafes dotted everywhere for that all important pastry. Aux Merveilleux and Paul satiate the sweet tooth.
If like me you are thinking about what to have for lunch, then take a look at what you should eat in Lille. With so many things to do in Lille, you could easily spend a weekend in Lille.
