Lille 7 Day Itinerary

Lille 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town

  • Morning: Arrive in Lille and check-in at Hotel de la Treille or similar.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Old Town (Vieux-Lille) and explore its cobblestone streets, ornate fountains, and beautiful buildings. Must-see attractions include:
    • Lille Cathedral (Cathédrale de la Treille)
    • Grand Place
    • Rihour Palace (Palais Rihour)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Comptoir des Arts, a cozy restaurant serving traditional French cuisine.
  • Tips:
    • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets.
    • Be prepared for crowds and touristy areas.

Day 2: Museums and Galleries

  • Morning: Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France’s largest art museums, featuring an impressive collection of European art from the 12th to the 20th centuries.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Lille Museum of Modern Art (Musée d’Art Moderne de Lille), showcasing a diverse range of modern and contemporary art.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Barbote, a trendy restaurant serving innovative, plant-based cuisine.
  • Tips:
    • Buy a museum pass for discounted entry to multiple museums.
    • Check the museums’ opening hours and plan accordingly.

Day 3: Wazemmes Market and Street Food

  • Morning: Visit the bustling Wazemmes Market, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties like waffles and coffee.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Street Food Market (Marché des Saveurs) at the Grand Palais, offering a variety of international cuisines.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien, a popular bakery and café chain with organic options.
  • Tips:
    • Come hungry to try various street food options.
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines.

Day 4: Roubaix and the La Piscine Museum

  • Morning: Take a short train ride (approximately 15 minutes) to Roubaix, a charming neighboring city.
  • Afternoon: Visit the La Piscine Museum (Musée d’Art et d’Industrie André Diligent), showcasing an impressive collection of art and industrial heritage in a former swimming pool.
  • Evening: Return to Lille and enjoy dinner at Le Vingt-Huit, a cozy bistro serving traditional French cuisine.
  • Tips:
    • Buy a train ticket in advance to avoid queues.
    • Explore Roubaix’s charming streets and canals.

Day 5: Lille’s Parks and Gardens

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Jardin des Plantes, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, featuring various plant species and a lovely pond.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the Parc de la Citadelle, a former military fortress turned park, offering stunning views of the city.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Grand Café, a historic café serving classic French dishes.
  • Tips:
    • Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of Lille’s many parks.
    • Take a leisurely stroll along the Deûle River.

Day 6: Day Trip to Bruges, Belgium

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Bruges, Belgium (approximately 1.5 hours by train).
  • Afternoon: Explore Bruges’ picturesque medieval center, featuring:
    • Belfry Tower (Beffroi de Bruges)
    • Market Square (Grand-Place)
    • Canal Boat Tour
  • Evening: Return to Lille and enjoy dinner at Le Barbier, a cozy restaurant serving seasonal, locally sourced cuisine.
  • Tips:
    • Buy train tickets in advance to avoid queues.
    • Explore Bruges’ charming streets and canals.

Day 7: Last Day in Lille

  • Morning: Visit the Lille Zoo, home to over 400 animals from around the world.
  • Afternoon: Return to the Old Town and explore any last-minute attractions or shops you may have missed earlier.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Le Coin Gourmand, a cozy restaurant serving innovative, seasonal cuisine.
  • Tips:
    • Plan your day according to the zoo’s opening hours.
    • Take time to reflect on your wonderful trip to Lille.

Transportation

  • Metro: Lille has an efficient metro system with five lines. Buy tickets or a Lille City Pass for unlimited travel.
  • Bus: An extensive bus network covers the city and surrounding areas.
  • Train: Regular trains connect Lille to Roubaix, Bruges (Belgium), and other nearby cities.

Things to Know

  • Language: French is the primary language spoken in Lille, but many locals speak some English.
  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency in France.
  • Safety: Lille is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Tips

  • Buy a Lille City Pass for discounted entry to multiple attractions and unlimited public transportation.
  • Learn some basic French phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
  • Be prepared for crowds and touristy areas, especially during peak travel seasons.
  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets and exploring the city.