Lille

Understand

Lille is France's fifth largest metropolitan area, and its most northerly. The city sits on the Deûle River, very near to the border with Belgium. While the city is moderately sized (236,000 inhabitants in 2020), over 1.5 million people live in the French side of the metropolitan area, while the cross-border metropolitan area, which covers both French and Belgian territory and includes Kortrijk and Tournai, is estimated to have more than 2.1 million inhabitants. It is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region and the prefecture of the Nord department. Historically, it was the capital of Flanders, and became an industrial powerhouse. 1 Lille Tourist Office, Palais Rihour (Rihour M1 ), ☏ +33 359 579 400, [email protected]. 10:00-12:30, 13:30-17:30. City tourist office located at Palais Rihour. Sell City Passes but you need to visit a lot of attractions to make them worthwhile. (updated May 2023)

History While the area of present-day Lille has been inhabited since as early as 2000 BC, the first mention of the city dates back to 1066, when it was referred to as apid Insulam in Latin. Meaning "at the island", this toponym is reflected in both the French and Dutch names of the city, both being contractions of the same expression (L'île and ter ijsel).

Climate

Getting there

Most visitors will probably arrive by train at Gare de Lille Europe or Gare de Lille Flandres. It is possible to land at the Charles de Gaulle Paris airport and then continue by train, but do not try this at the Ryanair's Paris airport (Beauvais) as there is no train connection at all and the only bus is back to Paris itself.

By plane Lille has its own international airport, but it is mostly served by flights to holiday destinations around the Mediterranean and other airports within France. Visitors may also consider using airports in Paris, Brussels or London then reaching Lille by train.

1 Aéroport de Lille (LIL IATA). This airport is small but convenient for entering Lille or travelling on to nearby areas across the border in Belgium. Both major and budget airlines operate scheduled services. Unlike larger airports there is hardly any walking as the check-in desks are directly inside the entrance and the security gates are directly behind the check-ins. A direct coach connects to central Lille (stops outside the main railway station) in 20 minutes, and runs once an hour costing €7 one-way, while a return ticket is €9. A taxi into the centre costs about €20. 2 Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL IATA). 120 km (75 mi) from Lille, BSCA offers a wide range of European destinations through low-costs giants Ryanair and Wizzair, as well as a few other LCCs. It is a popular option with Lille's student population. Flibco runs a shuttle bus from Lille to the airport. (updated Mar 2025)

By train

Lille has two major train stations:

3 Gare de Lille Europe. Lille Europe lies at the heart of the Brussels-Paris-London high-speed rail corridor. TGV and Eurostar trains stop here; the TGV / Eurostar journey from Brussels takes little more than 30 minutes, the TGV from Paris about an hour, and the Eurostar from London an hour and 22 minutes through the Channel Tunnel. (updated Sep 2025) Check the SNCF website or Eurostar to see train timetables. If you are travelling from the United Kingdom, Eurostar is the best option to reach Lille through the Channel Tunnel. The journey time to Gare de Lille Europe is 1 hr 22 min from London St Pancras International, though you have to check in at least 90 minutes before departure in order to complete border formalities due to Brexit. Train connections run regularly by ferry from Calais. Lille is also linked by TGV to Lyon (3 hours), Nantes (4 hours), Strasbourg (3 hr 20 min), and Marseille (5 hours).

4 Gare de Lille Flandres. This station is mostly served by regional TER trains, but some TGV trains use it, includin

Getting around

By public transport

ILEVIA provides public transport in Lille. Lille has two efficient driver-less metro lines that connect the centre of the city with several suburbs:

Metro line M1 mostly serves suburbs on the south side of the city, as well as cutting straight through the centre. Metro line M2 starts in the western suburbs, skirts along the boulevard on the southern edge of the centre, and continues to Roubaix and Tourcoing, finally ending at a hospital adjacent to the Belgian border. Both lines serve both railway stations. Note the platforms at most stations are much longer than the trains, look at the floor markings. There are also two tram routes, both starting at the railway stations:

R serving Roubaix. T serving Tourcoing. There are also bus lines that service all parts of the city. As of September 2025, single tickets are €1.80 (+ €0.20 charge for the rechargeable ticket.) X10 Single ticket €15.40. 24-hour day passes are available for €5.30. Other ticket types are available for longer stays. Machines accept cash and cards. The tickets cover the ilévia metro, buses and trams to any destination, Longer distance intercity trains (to Roubaix for example) require separate tickets.

By bike Cycling is very popular in Lille. There is a bike sharing system V'Lille covering the city centre.

See

Lille is a cultural and commercial hub with a wide range of restaurants, bars, clubs, museums, and shopping centre. A highlight is its beautiful and historic old town. The night life, thanks to the city's large student population, is cutting edge and lively.

Must see

1 La Vieille Bourse (Rihour M1 ). Built in 1653, this is a historic and beautiful building with an atrium style opening and inner court. Located between two picturesque squares, Place du Général-de-Gaulle and Place du Théâtre, this former commercial exchange still plays a central part in the life of the city. Within the inner court, you may find antique booksellers, posters, and other hidden gems. (updated Jun 2017) 2 Place du Général-de-Gaulle (La grand place). The main square of Lille. It has many beautiful, Flemish-inspired buildings, like the headquarters of local newspaper La Voix du Nord and a fountain with the statue of a goddess, "la Grande Déesse" (1843). There are myriad restaurants, bars, and stylish shopping centers located around the square. (updated Jun 2017) 3 Place Rihour. Surrounded by restaurants, houses the tourist information centre inside its main attraction, the Palais Rihour (1453). (updated Jun 2017) 4 Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville), Rue Augustin Laurent. The Town Hall and its 104-m-tall Belfry is a historical monument and Unesco World Heritage Site. The belfry is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. You can access this site by getting off at the metro station Mairie de Lille. (updated Jun 2017) 5 Opera, 2 rue des Bons Enfants, ☏ +33 3 28 38 40 50, [email protected]. Built in 1923. (updated Jun 2017) 6 Chamber of Commerce (Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie Grand Lille), Place du Théàtre. Built in 1921, now an upscale co-working and office building. Offers a magnificent sight, especially when lit-up at night. (updated Jun 2017) 7 Citadelle. A masterpiece of 17th-century defensive military architecture, built in the reign of Louis XIV and designed by the famous French military architect Vauban. In the same area is a compact zoo (payable) and a lovely park. €6 for zoo. (updated Mar 2025) 8 Cathédrale Notre Dame de la Treille. The construction of this cathedral started in 1854 and was eventually finished only in 1999. (updated Aug 2017) Take a stroll through the old quarter of the city, known as Vieux Lille, and enjoy the cobble-stone streets, the variety of stylish designer shops, gourmet restaurants, and museums. At Christmas Town, you may visit the Christmas Market, take a ride on the Ferris wheel in the main square, and take pictures with Father Noel by Chris

Do

1 Théatre Sebastopol, Place Sébastopol, ☏ +33 3 20 54 44 50. One of the most famous theatres of Lille. (updated Aug 2017) Chalice Sound System hold regular reggae gigs at various locations around Lille. Check their Facebook page to know when the next event will be. Watch football at Lille Olympique, who play soccer in Ligue 1, the country's top tier. Their home ground (Stade Pierre-Mauroy, capacity 50,000) is in the eastern township of Villeneuve-d'Ascq. Metro Line 1 gets you there (get off at the 4 Cantons terminus and follow the crowd) or park your car at Les Prés station on Line 2 and get the free shuttle bus to the stadium and back. visit Celestin Micro Brewery, 19 Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau (Rihour M1 + 500-m walk), ☏ +33 9 81 21 67 20. Visits at set times on Saturdays. On weekdays as available. There is beer shop as well. Visits in English on request. €14 tasting of 3 beers. (updated May 2023)

Events 2 La Braderie. The largest flea market in Europe, held every September for which millions of people come to Lille. You will find everything: paintings, antiques, ornaments, furniture, clothing, art, and more. The traditional food of the braderie is moules-frites, or mussels and fries, usually paired with a refreshing local beer. You will find many restaurants selling this meal for an affordable price. Tourists and locals alike will be partying, eating, and drinking, in a very lively, fun atmosphere. Christmas Market. A must for visitors. You can access this market from the main square, where you can also enjoy the Ferris wheel and Christmas lights strung up all throughout the old city. The beautiful lights, warm atmosphere, local shops, and restaurants make this enjoyable for everyone. There are unique, local shops that sell items such as handmade soaps, artisanal honey, saucisson, and handmade crafts. There are many food stalls that sell a range of delicious Christmas food such as hot, spiced wine, pretzels, tartiflette, raclette, warm waffles with your choice of sweet topping, cider, soup, chocolate, and even cocktails.

Buy

The open market, 1 Marché de Wazemmes. Open every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday morning, but the busiest day is definitely Sunday. Vendors sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, Moroccan, Mediterranean, and Vietnamese food, books, stationery, suitcases, shoes, clothes, and even perfume and undergarments! Be sure to pick up a bag of fresh clementines, a bright bouquet of fresh-cut flowers, some rotisserie chicken and roast potatoes for lunch, and a glass of beer at one of many little pubs surrounding the market. The pedestrian streets just past Grand Place (rue de Béthune, rue Neuve, Rue du Sec Arembault, rue des Tanneurs, etc.) offer popular clothing chain stores such as Etam, Pimkie, Zara, H&M, Sinéquanone, as well as small pubs, restaurants, and two large cinemas. These buildings reflect beautiful architectural designs and styles from the 1930s.

2 Euralille. Lille's largest shopping mall and offers popular clothing chains as well as the Carrefour hypermarket. It is located between Gare Lille Flandres and Gare Lille Europe in the heart of the city, making it very accessible to travellers coming into Lille. Stores include Primark, Zara, H&M, Timberland, and Nike. 3 Le Furet du Nord. A bookstore in the Place du Général de Gaulle. It is the largest bookstore in Europe with eight floors and more than 420,000 titles. It is a perfect place to spend a day. Printemps. A luxury department store located in Vieux Lille offering brands such as Burberry, Chanel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, and more. There are dozens of upscale boutiques (e.g., Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Hugo Boss, Kenzo) and trendier, independent stores and restaurants in Vieux Lille.

Eat

Food lovers will find themselves in a foodie heaven in Lille. The dishes of the north are delicious, hearty, and warming, and restaurants pride themselves on serving authentic food at affordable prices. Typical dishes include Potjevleesch, the Welsh, which is a hearty melt of cheddar cheese and fried egg, carbonnade flamande, a hearty beef stew, and, of course, moules frites. Try the maroilles cheese if you're feeling brave--it's the special cheese of Lille with a powerful odor. Those with a sweet tooth will find hundreds of little patisseries and boulangeries selling more cakes, pastries, and macarons than they knew existed along with an exquisite number of chocolate shops. Guillaume Vincent (12 Rue du Cure Saint Etienne), sells beautifully decorated, rich chocolates. One of the more popular and affordable (but greasy) eating options are the multitude of kebab shops around the city. For a few euro, you can get a hearty sandwich with shaved chicken or lamb with a side of frites. A local speciality is the kebab with "Fricandelles": sausages that are native to this region. These are a great (and more local) alternative to a fast food chain for a quick bite. A Lille must have: Delicious stuffed waffles enjoyed at Meert, probably the most beautiful pâtisserie in France. These waffles were the favorite of President Charles de Gaulle. Meert is located on the Rue Esquermoise next to the Grand Place (place du Général de Gaulle). Take the metro Line 1 and get off at station Rihour. There is another location at the Piscine (Museum of Arts and Industry) of Roubaix (Station: Gare Jean Lebas on Line 2). Pastries bought here are to be enjoyed fully and without self restraint.

Budget Au roi soleil, 65 Bd Louis XIV, ☏ +33 3 20 90 16 66. (updated Mar 2023) Le Buzz, 55 rue Basse. (updated Mar 2023) 1 La Friche, 26 Rue Félix Faure, 59350 Saint-André-lez-Lille, (bus #L90 Sainte Helene). Food from 19:00 closed Mon.. Out of town street food & bars in former warehouse. Can be very busy. (updated Sep 2025) 2 Nuts. Cute, colourful cafe with some vegan cakes. (updated Mar 2025)

Around La Vieille Bourse 3 Oh Gourmand'In !, 13 Bd Carnot. Simple and good traditional cuisine. Very nice ambience and people. Friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff. The dishes are very good. (updated May 2022) 4 Le Dracir, 12 Rue Léon Trulin. Very friendly brasserie bar. Varied menu. (updated May 2022) 5 Nachos - Fajita, burrito, tacos, bowl, 74 Rue Faidherbe. Very good Mexican food. Tasty with fresh ingredients. Great selection of meat and veggie options for your burrito or taco. Opportunity

Drink & nightlife

Lille has an amazing nightlife, wonderful bars and nightclubs, and a world of drinks to try. Because it is the north of France, beer is the most popular drink. Try as many kinds as you can, including Belgian ales which are very popular. Rue Solferino has many bars and clubs. This is the street to visit if you enjoy a lively nightlife and party scene. On Rue Masséna, you will also find countless bars, nightclubs, and restaurants including small delicious kebab stands that are open late until the wee hours of early morning.

1 Maison du Moulin D'Or (Morel & Fils), 31 Place du théâtre, ☏ +33 3 20 55 00 10. This place used to be "une bonneterie," which is still reflected in the decorations inside. Dress forms, wooden dolls, cloth, and beautiful colours (soft sea green and pink) are found throughout two floors. A great place to stop for a coffee or beer when you're out and about. (updated Mar 2025) 2 The Drugstore, 21 Rue Royale, ☏ +33 3 20 12 00 53. Very small, groovy lounge with two floors and a few tables outside when the weather warms up. Ambient music and orange lighting complement the vintage-looking movie and music posters on the walls. My advice: grab a table upstairs - the chairs are comfy and you can see down onto the street and people-watch. This bar is more for cocktails than beer, and their happy hour special offers all their cocktails for €6. Café Oz/The Australian Bar, 33, Place des Bettignies, ☏ +33 3 20 55 15 15. Very cool bar with a lively atmosphere, good mix of music played, and a mélange of Francophone and Anglophone bartenders. They also have a terrace open during the day when the weather warms up for those who wish to enjoy an afternoon refreshment. Check their website or head on in and ask about their various happy hour specials, which fluctuate depending on the day/season. La Capsule, 25 Rue des trois Mollettes. Specialises in French and foreign artisanal beers on tap and bottled. Over 100 choices of beer to choose from. Cozy, wonderful interior, perfect to meet friends in. Le Quai des Bananes, 84 Rue Royale. Every type of cocktail you can think of if you'd like a change from beer. Le Lobby, 10 Rue Royale. A large selection of beer and draft beers at reasonable prices. Popular with college students. Salsa the night away at Le Latina Café, 42/44 Rue Masséna. You will find all things Cuban including portraits of Che Guevara, hot Spanish tunes, and their famous Havana Club Mojitos. As well, indulge in a Desperado (tequila beer) or two. Drinks are a bit pricier, but the ambiance makes it all worth it. Pub Mac Ewan's, 8 place S

Sleep

1 Alliance Lille, 17 Quai du Wault, ☏ +33 3 20 30 62 62. Luxury hotel in the centre of Lille. 2 Citadines City Centre Lille, Avenue Willy Brandt - Euralille, ☏ +33 3 28 36 75 00, fax: +33 3 20 06 97 82, [email protected]. The residence is near to the railway station. Each apartment houses a bathroom with a separate toilet, a separate kitchen area complete with stove, microwave, fridge and dishwasher, and TV with cable channels. 5 apartments are equipped for people with reduced mobility. Daily rates starts from €96. 3 Lille Hostel-Stéphane Hessel (HI) (Auberge de Jeunesse), 235 Bd Paul Painlevé (Porte de Valenciennes M2 400 m), ☏ +33 3 20 57 08 94, [email protected]. An HI hostel, can be booked on website. about €17.30/night (shared room). (updated May 2023) ibis budget Lille Centre, 10 Rue de Courtrai. Reliable no frills accommodation close to old town. (updated May 2023) Nord Hotel, in the southern part of Lille, about a ten-minute ride on the subway away from the centre of town. When first arriving, the area seems a bit intimidating, but is actually quite quiet. Fairly basic accommodation. Small, clean room and friendly staff. €60/night for a twin room. 4 Hotel Brueghel, 5 Parvis Saint-Maurice, ☏ +33 3 20 06 06 69. Peacefully overlooking a church, but in a very central location. about €80/night. 5 Mister Bed City Lille, 57, Rue de Béthune, ☏ +33 3 20 12 96 96. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Central location, basic but clean. About €60. 6 Hôtel Carlton, 3 Rue Pierre Mauroy (opposite the Opéra), ☏ +33 3 20 13 33 13. €110-150. (updated Apr 2019) 7 Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe, Boulevard de Turin, 59000 Lille (opposite the train station), ☏ +33 3 20 74 70 70, [email protected]. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Its entrance is in front of where the long-distance coaches stop. Spacious studio apartments for up to 3 adults or a family of 4, all with both a bath and a shower, as well as a separate toilet. Basic self-catering facilities, including microwave, in every room. Breakfast is very basic and better taken care of by means of shopping around than paying extra at hotel. No views to speak of and a bit of a walk from the historic city centre. Starting at €60 per room per night. (updated Jul 2019)

Go next

Kortrijk and Tournai are in Belgium, but part of the metropolitan area of Lille, quickly reached by local trains. Bruges is a charming old city. Watch out at the border in case you need to change trains or coaches. Arras, with an impressive central square, has most of the Allied memorials from the First World War. Lille is the centre of the Eurostar-TGV network, so Paris, London and Brussels are all within an hour's ride.