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Lille: the city's best neighborhoods

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About Lille

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Whether it’s walking along the banks of the River Deûle or immersing yourself in the outdoor café culture of the medieval Vieux-Lille district, Lille delivers an experience typical of its French origins.

From the Middle Ages through to the French Revolution and the World Wars, France’s fourth largest city has been occupied and destroyed many times over. Since then, the ‘capital of Flanders’ emerged as a textile and mechanical manufacturing hub before evolving into one of northern France’s most important financial centres. Despite Lille’s turbulent history, many UNESCO-listed landmarks remain, with the Beffroi de Lille and the Old Stock Exchange being some of its best. Museums like the Palais des Beaux Arts and Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art highlight the city’s artistic past and future, while the Maison Natala showcases the birthplace of former French leader, Charles de Gaulle.

Like many other French cities, Lille’s culture revolves around food and shopping. The first week of September sees the arrival of the Braderie de Lille market – a flea market dating back to the 12th-century with over 10,000 vendors selling food, furniture and antiques. Alternatively, head to Le Tripostal for artsy book shops or visit restaurants like Estaminet T’Risjel and Le Broc for a more traditional French experience.

The arrival of the Eurostar to Lille-Europe brought many new visitors to Lille, connecting the city to its European neighbours, London and Paris. Alternatively, regional trains to Lens, Amiens and Calais are available from Lille-Flandres Station.

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Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency € 1 = $1.13
Language French
Average weekend price $122 per night
Average weekday price $133 per night
Average stay 1 night

Points of interest in Lille

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Lille reviews

What other travelers say about Lille

10

It is a beautiful city with so much culture and places to...

May 20, 2025

It is a beautiful city with so much culture and places to visit. the French people of Lille were lovely and kind and helpful. We took a one stop train journey from Lille Flandres train station to Roubaix to visit La Piscine Musee. It was a beautiful place, unusual and just fantastic, full of art, fashion and sculpture. A lovely cafe and outdoor space - it was just a joy. The cobbled streets and patisseries and little shops in old Lille were great. The buildings were amazing and so many different forms of architecture. There were plenty of restarants and there were a couple of outstanding markets

francis
francis United Kingdom
8.0

Loved Vieux Lille, loved La musee des beaux arts, things...

May 19, 2025

Loved Vieux Lille, loved La musee des beaux arts, things were quite dead on a Sunday, food portions were enormous, though finding gluten free options was not that easy, no gf pasta, pizza or burgers, which are easily found in the uk

Anne
Anne United Kingdom
10

Hotel was in a perfect position, although it is by the...

May 15, 2025

Hotel was in a perfect position, although it is by the station & roads it was very quiet in the room. We reported a minor problem in the morning & it was fixed by the time we returned. Staff were very friendly & helpful. A good selection for breakfast & you are set up for the day. Would definitely stay there again.

Maria S
Maria S United Kingdom
10

Lille benefits from not only being near the French-Belgium...

May 4, 2025

Lille benefits from not only being near the French-Belgium Border, but also being just 1.5 hrs on the train from London (St. Pancras Int'nl). This is quite convenient, as you can, in my opinion, have this as a good base-location. And then have day-trips by booking train-journeys (from Lille Flandres stn. or Lille Europe stations) or Coaches (departing from Lille Europe stn. Car-Park) to other European cities e.g. Amsterdam (Ned.), Brussels (Belgium), Brugges (Bel.) & Paris and other French town & cities. You can conveniently come back to your base late-evenings the same day. The city has a bit of historic charm with its old edifices dotting the business-district, combined with modernity with the Westfield Eurolille mall providing shopping convenience. Several restaurants, cafe's and brasseries across the criss-crossing streets of the town-centre entice visitors with their food and drinks offerings from across the world.

Kunal
Kunal United Kingdom
8.0

A nice and lively city with many eateries and cafes to enjoy.

April 30, 2025

A nice and lively city with many eateries and cafes to enjoy. A good range of shops available as well ranging from chains to independent shops. We enjoyed the beautiful architecture and how the inhabitants enjoyed the lovely warm weather.

Wendy
Wendy Netherlands
8.0

Lovely, vibrant city with many restaurants and bars.

April 30, 2025

Lovely, vibrant city with many restaurants and bars. Highlights included visits to the cathedral, Palais des Beaux Arts, the vieille ville. Easy city to get to by train or car and easy to get around town on foot or on the many buses.

Kathryn
Kathryn United Kingdom

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