Lively Long Weekend: Discovering Lille in 3 Days

Experience French charm in Lille, a city of historic beauty and modern flair.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in Lille, visitors can experience the rich cultural heritage of northern France with its gothic architecture and picturesque cobblestone streets. The city's bustling markets offer a unique blend of French and Flemish cultures, providing an authentic taste of the region's vibrant food and drink scene. With a plethora of museums, galleries, and theaters, Lille offers plenty of entertainment options to suit all tastes.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

The Best of Lille

  • Stay at the charming Hotel Carlton, just a stone's throw from the historic center of Lille
  • Start your day with a traditional French breakfast at La Patisserie, a cozy bakery with mouth-watering pastries
  • Visit the impressive Palace of Fine Arts, home to an impressive collection of art and sculptures
  • Stroll through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, filled with lovely boutiques, cafes, and restaurants
  • Stop by Aux Merveilleux de Fred to try one of their famous "merveilleux" sweet treats
  • Grab a beer or two at Le Barbier qui Fume, a trendy bar with an extensive selection of local and international brews
  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at La Poke Bowl, a hip restaurant serving healthy and tasty poke bowls
Day 2

A Day of Culture and Relaxation

  • Spend a leisurely morning at the hotel's spa, treating yourself to a relaxing massage or facial
  • Explore the fascinating LaM (Lille Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art) for an unparalleled insight into modern art
  • Take a stroll in the Jardin Botanique Nicolas Boulay, which boasts over 4000 plant species
  • Head to Rue de Gand, a street famous for its excellent restaurants, and enjoy a hearty lunch at Estaminet Au Vieux de la Vieille
  • Discover Lille's rich brewing history at La Brasserie du Singe Savant, a microbrewery where you can sample their delicious beers
  • Treat yourself to a final dinner at Le Pain Quotidien, a cozy bakery-restaurant which serves fresh, organic, and vegan cuisine.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Lille, France by plane is to fly into Lille Airport (LIL) from major international airports such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol or Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Car

If driving, the best way to get to Lille from Paris is to take the A1 motorway towards Lille. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and there are tolls along the way.

Train

If travelling by train, take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Lille Europe Station. This journey takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Lille as it is an inland city. The closest port is Calais, which is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.

Bus

There are several bus companies that operate routes from major cities in Europe to Lille. FlixBus and Eurolines are popular options.

Destination

Lille

If Paris had a quirky little sister, Lille would be it. This charming city may be lesser known, but don't let that fool you - it's packed with art, culture, and some seriously amazing food.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

A Day in Lille: Exploring the Delights of France

Lille, France, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for a family trip. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Vieux Lille, where you'll find picturesque architecture, boutique shops, and cozy cafés. Explore the interactive exhibits at the Palais des Beaux-Arts or head to the sprawling Jardin Vauban park for picnicking and playtime, ensuring an enjoyable and enriching experience for the whole family.

Heart of Lille: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip

Travel to Lille, France on a limited budget and explore its beautiful architecture, culture and cuisine. Stay in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or budget hotels and try local street food like frites and waffles. Experience the city's rich history and vibrant nightlife through free or low-cost activities such as exploring the Old Town, visiting museums, and enjoying a pint at one of the many student bars.

3 Days in Lille: Charm, Cuisine, and Culture!

Experience the charm and history of Lille, France without breaking the bank. Explore the picturesque streets and stunning architecture of Old Lille, visit the famous flea markets and sample delicious local cuisine at affordable prices. Choose budget-friendly accommodations and travel during off-peak season for maximum savings on this budget-friendly trip.

The Ultimate 3-Day Lille Adventure!

A trip to Lille, France as a tourist offers a mixture of old-world charm and cosmopolitan flair. The historic city is known for its culture, architecture, and lively atmosphere. Visitors can explore museums, wander through the cobblestone streets, sample delicious French cuisine, and soak up the local vibe.