Located in the north of France, a stone's throw from the Belgian border, Lille is a real crossroads of major European cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, and London. This cosmopolitan city which has been at the heart of French history is a popular tourist destination for French and foreigners.
The capital of the Hauts-de-France region (formerly Nord – Pas-de-Calais and Picardie) deserves a visit for many reasons. For its rich heritage, its varied architecture, its extraordinary atmosphere, and its inimitable welcome. If you plan to stay there for a few days, many activities await you! Are you lacking inspiration? No problem. here are the 10 things to do and must-see places to visit in Lille.
1. Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral
First step: the Notre-Dame de la Treille cathedral. Located in one of the oldest parts of the city center, this building is very particular with its contemporary facade adjoining a more classic style structure. The history of the construction of the cathedral was quite eventful: started in 1854, it was not completed until more than 150 years later, in 1999. The result is a composite building, partly neo-Gothic, partly modern.
This church often confuses visitors as to its general aesthetic: if seen from the outside it looks rather austere, it will surprise you. Admire the rosary altarpiece and the works of master glassmakers. In addition, since 2008 the cathedral has housed an organ of 7,600 pipes (weighing 41 tonnes) which is among the largest in France.
2. Hospice Comtesse
Architecture lovers, do not miss to discover the Hospice Comtesse. It is located just behind the cathedral and it is one of the last Lille testimonies of the Counts of Flanders. Founded by Joan of Flanders in 1237, this hospital was a place of reception for the sick, the poor, and pilgrims.
Today, the Countess Hospice houses a Museum which presents the social and cultural life of Lille between the 17th and 18th centuries. As you walk through the different spaces of the museum, you can immerse yourself in the intimacy of the daily life of a Flemish house of the time, explore the history of the city, and discover the life of Lille under the Ancien Régime in the French Revolution.
3. The Grand'Place
You cannot visit Lille without taking a trip to the Grand'Place (officially Place du Général De Gaulle), emblematic place of the city. Like Brussels and its Grand Place, it is the favorite place for Lille and tourists to meet or have a drink on the terrace. Each year, it hosts major events such as concerts when Clearance sells from Lille in September or flower market in May.
The square is the ideal place to take a walk. You will be able to admire the superb facades of the buildings which surround it such as the Bellevue hotel, the Old Stock Exchange, the North theater, the Northern Ferret, etc. In its center, you will see the goddess column, commemorating the heroic defense of Lille against the Austrians in 1792.
4. The Palace of Fine Arts
Tourist place par excellence in Lille, the Palais des Beaux-Arts is the ideal place for lovers of art and history. Located on the Place de la République, its collections of prestigious paintings make it one of the richest French museums.
As you walk through the rooms of this superb 19th-century building, you can admire thousands of international works from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and works by great European artists of the 19th century, notably Delacroix, Goya, Rubens, Van Dyck, Rodin, and Claudel to only cite a few.
5. Old Lille
If you want to enjoy the atmosphere of the city and discover all its facets, go to old Lille. In a small area, you will be able to discover exceptional testimonies of history and architecture from the 14th to the 20th century.
The Vieux-Lille district represents the historic core of the city. It was formed from the old feudal motte, which includes the Madame motte, on which stands the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille cathedral, the castrum, on the edge of the old port and the forum, and the current Grand'Place. Among the remarkable buildings and places that you will find along the route, do not miss the Rihour Palace, the Chamber of Commerce, the rue de la Monnaie (one of the oldest streets in Lille), as well as the Place aux Onions. In fine weather, it is an ideal place to enjoy the sun and have a drink on the terrace.
6. The Wazemmes market
Want to explore'' one of the largest markets in France? An unmissable event in Lille's life, the Wazemmes market has been a real institution for over a century. Three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday) since 1869, up to 50,000 people visit the 400 stalls set up on the Place de la Nouvelle Aventure.
If you like to find bargains, you have probably come to the right place! The Sunday market is known to be very supplied and varied: you will find food products, local and exotic gastronomy, as well as clothing, leather goods, accessories, or decoration. Let yourself be carried away by the charm of this lively and colorful atmosphere!
7. The Madness Houses
In 2004, when Lille was the European capital of culture, the municipality wanted to create places serving as places of creation, meetings, and cultural exchanges for associations, artists, and residents of different parts of the city.
In total, the Madness Houses are 12 in number and you cannot fail to visit at least two of the most interesting of them: the Maison Folie de Moulins and the Madness House of Wazemmes. Located in the popular district of Wazemmes, this rehabilitated former textile mill now hosts many events such as exhibitions and concerts.
8. The Citadel
Among the things to do in Lille, how can we not evoke a stroll in what acts as the “lung” of the city? During the weekend, the park of the Citadel is a favorite destination for the people of Lille. It is enough to see a small ray of sunshine to have the impression that all the locals meet here and in the surroundings. You will meet walkers, runners, families with children, bicycle enthusiasts, artists, and even outdoor theater actors.
Remarkable military work of the great architect of Louis XIV, Vauban, the Citadel was built in the 17th century for the defense of Lille. During your walk, you will be able to discover a large number of points of interest including the Napoleon Bridge, the Vauban garden and its cave, or the Deûle with its canals and locks.
9. 9. The Roubaix Swimming Pool Museum
Passionate about art, we take you on a visit to Roubaix to La Piscine museum - André Diligent Museum of Art and Industry. A curiosity that is well worth the detour! A little history: this swimming pool was originally ... a swimming pool! Built-in 1932 by the architect Albert Baert in the Art Deco style, it was both a sports swimming pool and a public bathhouse.
It was in 2001 that the structure completely changed to become the unusual and original museum that we know today. Over an area of approximately 8,000 m², discover the collections of applied arts (drawing, textiles, ceramics) and Fine Arts (painting, sculpture from the 19th and 20th centuries) and let yourself be charmed by this magical place.
10. The birthplace of Charles de Gaulle
Did you know that Charles de Gaulle was born in Lille? More precisely on November 22, 1890, at 9 rue Princesse, in the house of his maternal grandparents. Since 2014 this house has been bought by the Charles de Gaulle Foundation and transformed into a museum.
Listed as a Historic Monument, it recreates the characteristic atmosphere of a petty bourgeoisie in northern France at the end of the 19th century. Enter each room, discover the atmosphere of the place, contemplate the reconstructed decorations and the objects on display.
How to go to Lille?
Lille Airport, also called Lille-Lesquin Airport, is the city's main airport. It is located about ten kilometers southeast of the city.
Several companies serve Lille airport, in particular: HOP!, easyJet and Volotea.
Lille airport is located at the crossroads of several highways. This position allows you to reach the city center very easily, whether you have a car available or you rent a.
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