Lille-4-day-itinerary

Lille 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Old Town

  • Morning: Start your day at the Grand Place, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the ornate façades, visit the Old Stock Exchange ( Vieille Bourse), and climb to the top of the Belfry for stunning views.
  • Lunch: Head to Le Comptoir des Arts, a cozy restaurant serving French cuisine with a twist. Try their famous waffles!
  • Afternoon: Visit the Lille Cathedral (Cathédrale de la Treille) and explore the charming streets of the Old Town, discovering unique shops and cafes.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Flemish dinner at ‘T Riedel, accompanied by local beers.

Day 2: Art, Culture, and Parks

  • Morning: Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France’s most beautiful art museums. The building itself is a work of art!
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Le Pain Quotidien, a popular bakery chain with organic options.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, a peaceful botanical garden, and explore the trendy Wazemmes neighborhood.
  • Evening: Catch a performance or exhibition at the Lille Opera House (Opéra de Lille).

Day 3: History, Architecture, and Beer

  • Morning: Visit the Hospice Comtesse, a stunning example of Flemish Renaissance architecture. Explore the beautiful courtyard and chapel.
  • Lunch: Try some local specialties at La Capsule, including their famous beer-based dishes.
  • Afternoon: Learn about Lille’s rich history at the Museum of Lille (Musée de Lille). Visit the Citadelle, a 17th-century fortress with impressive views.
  • Evening: Sample some of Lille’s best beers at La Maison des Booz, a cozy pub with a vast selection.

Day 4: Roubaix and Beyond

  • Morning: Take a short train ride to Roubaix ( approx. 20 minutes) and visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (Musée d’Art Contemporain de Roubaix).
  • Lunch: Enjoy some international cuisine at Le Kitchen Café, located in the museum’s building.
  • Afternoon: Explore Roubaix’s charming streets, canals, and industrial heritage. Return to Lille in the evening.

Where to Stay

  • Budget: Auberge de Jeunesse de Lille (Youth Hostel) or Ibis Budget Lille Centre
  • Mid-range: Hotel Flandre Angleterre or Novotel Lille Centre Gares
  • Luxury: L’Hermitage Gantois or Hotel Barrière Lille

Transportation

  • Airport: Lille Lesquin Airport (LIL) is 10 km from the city center. Take a taxi or bus (LIL-LESQ-CTR) to get to your accommodation.
  • Train Station: Lille Europe and Lille Flandres stations offer connections to Paris, Brussels, and other European cities.
  • Public Transportation: Use buses, trams, or metro lines to navigate the city. Buy a Lille City Pass for unlimited travel.

Tips and Other Things of Interest

  • Language: While many locals speak English, it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to speak French.
  • Currency: The Euro is the local currency.
  • Safety: Lille is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Markets: Visit the bustling Wazemmes Market on Sundays or the Grand Place Market on Fridays and Saturdays for fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
  • Events: Check the city’s event calendar for festivals like Lille 3000, Jazz en Nord, or Les Fêtes de la Musique.

Additional Information

  • Tourist Office: The Lille Tourist Office is located at Place Rihour, 59000 Lille. They offer maps, brochures, and helpful staff.
  • Weather: Lille’s climate is temperate, with mild winters and warm summers. Be prepared for occasional rain showers.

Enjoy your trip to Lille!