Live on a budget and love Lille!

Experience the charm of France without breaking the bank in Lille!

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival & Exploration

  • Check in at Hotel Continental, centrally located and affordable
  • Head to Vieux-Lille, the old town, a maze of cobbled streets lined with colorful brick buildings
  • Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France's largest museums, with an impressive collection of fine arts
  • Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Pain Quotidien, offering organic and homemade products
  • End the day with a drink at La Capsule, a cozy bar with a wide variety of local and international beers
Day 2

Culture & Gastronomy

  • Start the day with a tour of La Piscine Museum, housed in a former art-deco swimming pool, showcasing art and design
  • Stop for lunch at Chez la Vieille, a traditional bistro serving classic French dishes
  • Explore the Saint-Sauveur neighborhood, known for its trendy boutiques and street art
  • Sample local cheeses and wines at La Cave aux Fromages, a charming shop with a friendly owner
  • End the evening with dinner at Aux Moules, a seafood restaurant famous for its moules-frites (mussels and fries)
Day 3

Sightseeing & Relaxation

  • Visit the Citadel of Lille, a star-shaped fortress that tells the history of the city
  • Have a picnic at Jardin Vauban, a stunning garden with a lake, a mini zoo, and a playground
  • Stroll along Rue de Gand, a lively street full of restaurants and bars
  • Visit the Hospice Comtesse Museum, a beautiful 15th-century hospital turned museum showcasing everyday life in medieval Lille
  • Unwind at Hammam Zeïn, a traditional Moroccan spa offering a range of treatments and massages
Day 4

Shopping & Farewell

  • Shop for souvenirs at La Grande Braderie, Lille's biggest flea market held annually in September
  • Enjoy a brunch at Season, an organic and vegetarian restaurant in the heart of town
  • Visit the Lille Zoo, home to over 70 species of animals, including elephants, tigers, and giraffes
  • Take a walk around the Citadel Park, a vast green space with a lake, a waterfall, and a playground
  • Say au revoir to Lille with a final drink at Le Bar Parallèle, a trendy rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.

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

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