Lille

Euroventure city guide

Lille

Euroventure city guide

Everything you need to know about Lille

The charming little city of Lille would warm the cockles of even the most hardened traveller! Wander down its winding cobbled streets and you’ll stumble across all manner of old-world architectural gems, from its meandering canalways to the chocolate-box houses of the Old Quarter.

Quick facts

  • Location: Lille, Nord-Pas de Calais region of Northern France
  • Language: French
  • Population of city: 228,652
  • Nearest airport: Lille Lesquin International Airport
  • Main train/bus station(s): Lille Europe & Lille Flandres
  • Best time to visit? May-September are Lille’s warmest months
  • Budget level? ££
  • Best for: City Break, Arty, Museums, Student Scene

Top Attractions

Vieille Bourse

The former Commercial Exchange, built in 1653, still plays a key role in Lille. The building is composed of 24 miniature houses which surround a courtyard lined with ornate archways. The courtyard is the life and soul of the city. You’ll find market stalls and book sellers as well as chess games in the inner courtyard.

 

Place du Général-de-Gaulle

The Place du General de Gaulle is Lille’s main square. Surrounded by beautiful buildings home to restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops, the square is a great place to begin your tour. As well as La Vieille Bourse, you’ll also find The Grande Garde and The Goddess on Lille’s centre stage. The Grande Garde, once used to house soldiers, is now the town theatre.

Main Districts

Central Lille

In Central Lille you’ll find many of the city’s main sites, including the stunning Grand Place, a popular meeting place with architecture dating back to the 17th Century. Head to Old Lille and find the Palais des Beaux Arts. This 19th century summer palace has been transformed into a huge art museum, second only to the Louvre. Here you’ll find works by Monet, Raphael and Van Gogh.

Greater Lille

More towards the suburbs of Lille, you will find former industrial towns Roubaix and Tourcoing. Greater Lille is also home to many of Lille’s museums; here you will find a calmer alternative to the urban atmosphere in central Lille. Make sure to check out the Marche de Wazemmes, one of the largest and most popular ourdoor markets in northern France. The market runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with the latter being the busiest. There’s hundreds of sellers offering exotic fresh fruit and veg and a mix of street food including North African and Middle Eastern cuisine.

 

Routes

A Selection of Trips and Tours that include Lille