Lille: A Delightful 3-Day Family Adventure on a Budget
Discover the wonders of Lille, France: a family adventure awaits!
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
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.
Travel plan
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- Start the day with a stroll through Vieux-Lille, the city's ancient quarter, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings.
- Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, a magnificent art museum filled with masterpieces by artists like Rubens, Van Gogh, and Monet.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at La Part des Anges, a cozy restaurant serving French classics with a modern twist.
- Spend the afternoon exploring La Piscine, a unique museum set in a former Art Deco swimming pool, housing a collection of fine art and design.
- Indulge in some retail therapy at Euralille, the city's bustling shopping center, where you can find both high-end brands and quirky local boutiques.
- End the day with a tasty dinner at Le Barbue d'Anvers, a charming brasserie known for its mouthwatering seafood dishes.
- Start the day by visiting the Citadel of Lille, a massive fortress with beautiful gardens that take you back to a time of knights and castles.
- Explore the Hospice Comtesse Museum, a hidden gem showcasing Lille's medieval history and art.
- Have a delightful lunch at La Cave aux Fioles, a rustic wine bar offering delicious cheese and charcuterie platters.
- Take a scenic boat ride along the Deûle River, marveling at the picturesque landscapes and charming villages.
- Visit the LaM (Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary, and Outsider Art) and admire avant-garde artwork from renowned artists.
- Satisfy your appetite with a tasty dinner at L'Huitrière, a cozy seafood restaurant known for its fresh oysters and superb seafood dishes.
- Start the day with a visit to the famous Wazemmes Market, a vibrant open-air market filled with local produce, spices, and colorful stalls.
- Treat yourself to a traditional brunch at Meert, a charming patisserie famous for its waffles and delectable pastries since 1761.
- Immerse yourself in Lille's beer culture with a tour at the Brasserie La Choulette, where you can sample a variety of local beers.
- Enjoy a leisurely picnic in the beautiful Jardin Vauban, a meticulously landscaped garden perfect for relaxation.
- Discover Lille's sweet side at L'Atelier du Chocolat, a chocolate shop offering handmade treats, and perhaps take a chocolate-making workshop.
- End your culinary journey with a dinner at Bloempot, a quirky restaurant serving innovative French cuisine in a cozy, vintage setting.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.