Experience Lille's Charm: A Day Trip Guide

Discover the charm and history of Lille, France.

22 April 2023

Lille is a charming and historic city in the north of France, known for its beautiful architecture and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the cobblestone streets and colorful markets of the Old Town, wander through world-class museums, and indulge in some of the region's famous cuisine and wine. From art lovers to history buffs to foodies, there's something for everyone in Lille.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Bonjour Lille!

  • Start the day with a traditional French breakfast of croissants and coffee at Meert, a charming patisserie with a beautiful Art Deco interior.
  • Wander through the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Lille (Old Lille), admiring the colorful Flemish-style architecture and quaint shops.
  • Indulge in some retail therapy along Rue de la Grande Chaussée, home to both high-end boutiques and vintage shops.
  • Visit La Piscine, a former Art Deco swimming pool turned museum of art and industry, showcasing works by local masters such as Henri Matisse.
  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Le Pain Quotidien, a cozy bakery-cafe with organic, locally-sourced fare.
  • Cap off the day with a pint of Lille's famous bière de garde at Le Barbue d'Anvers, a lively pub with a friendly crowd and eclectic decor.
  • Note: This itinerary assumes a day trip to Lille. If you are staying overnight, consider adding dinner and drinks at Chez la Vieille or L'Estaminet, two atmospheric taverns serving hearty regional cuisine. And of course, no trip to Lille would be complete without sampling some of its famous waffles, available at any street vendor or cafe. Bon appétit!

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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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