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

2 Days of Family Fun in Lille, France

Lille, France is an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip, offering a blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Explore the charming streets of the old town, visit the impressive Palais des Beaux-Arts museum, and enjoy a picnic in one of the beautiful parks. Children will be delighted by the interactive exhibits at the LaM (Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary, and Outsider Art), making Lille an unforgettable destination for the whole family.

Lille: A Delightful 3-Day Family Adventure on a Budget

A family-friendly trip to Lille, France offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Explore the charming streets of Vieux Lille, filled with colorful architecture and boutique shops, while indulging in delicious pastries at traditional French bakeries. Discover the city's rich art scene at the Palais des Beaux-Arts, the second-largest fine arts museum in France, and end your day by visiting Parc de la Citadelle, where kids can enjoy playgrounds, a zoo, and even boat rides on the lake.

Lille on a Budget: 5 Days of Charm & Culture

Lille, France is a vibrant and charming city that is perfect for budget travelers. Visitors can explore the historic city center, sample delicious French cuisine, and enjoy the lively nightlife all without breaking the bank. With affordable accommodations and inexpensive transportation options, Lille offers a budget-friendly destination for those looking to experience the beauty of France.

Live on a budget and love Lille!

Lille, France is a charming city with plenty to offer for those on a limited budget. Visitors can explore the historic architecture of the Old Town, wander through the vibrant local markets, and indulge in delicious French cuisine at affordable prices. For accommodations, hostels and budget hotels are readily available, making it easy to enjoy all that Lille has to offer without breaking the bank.