Lille

Travel Guide

Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Michel Angot
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Corey Littlefair
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Pierre Torset
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Eric Larrayadieu
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Eric Larrayadieu

Lille is a historic city with a surprisingly modern side. An incomparable atmosphere, somewhere between a traditional northern town and a modern-day powerhouse.

The residents of Lille are proud of their city and look after it well: the architecture of the old town has been superbly restored, bringing out the extraordinary beauty of the 17th century buildings, with their typically Flemish style. You'll enjoy strolling along the lively cobbled streets with their cosy restaurants, where you can enjoy local dishes such as carbonnade à la bière or flamiche au maroilles. When it comes to shopping, remember to pick up some delicious vanilla waffles, some of the famous bêtises de Cambrai or bric-a-brac from Wazemmes market or the famous Braderie de Lille.

The belfry, an iconic northern landmark, will delight you will its unique bells. Then head for the Vieille Bourse of Lille, 24 town houses with famous caryatids, where chess players come to play in front of the square's second-hand booksellers. Over its history, Lille has been Flemish, Burgundian and Spanish, before coming under French control under Louis XIV this eclecticism can be found everywhere in the city, making it a fascinating place to visit.

If you're interested in the Middle Ages, don't miss the Palais Rihour, a superb remnant of the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. The Vauban Citadel is also well worth a visit, before going to see the flamboyant Gothic architecture of the Notre Dame de la Treille Cathedral. A visit to the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille museum is a must, with its phenomenal collection of works by Van Dyck, Rubens and Goya. Then jump feet-first into the 21st century by exploring the LaM museum in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, one of the few museums to house collections devoted to art brut, modern art and contemporary art. The maison Cavrois, a modernist gem by the architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, is testament to the winds of change that have swept through Lille since the industrial age.

Lille is located between Belgium and Paris and is easy to reach by high-speed train, via Lille Europe station or Lille Flandres station. Lille Lesquin airport is just 6 miles from the centre and the city can be reached via several motorways: A1, A22, A23, A27 and E42.

Where to stay in Lille

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Lille Centre Ville

Art galleries, museums, and historic sites highlight some notable features of Lille Centre Ville. Make a stop by Porte de Paris or Le Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Mairie de Lille Station or Rihour Station to get around town.

Lille Centre Ville
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Old Lille

Shopping, historic sites, and restaurants are just a few things travelers enjoy about Old Lille. Check out Lille Cathedral or Le Musée de la Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle while you're exploring the area.

Old Lille
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Historic Center

Travelers choose Historic Center for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Rihour Station or Republique Beaux Arts Station and check out top sights like Rihour Square.

Historic Center
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Le Marais

While there might not be top attractions in Le Marais, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Zoo Lille and Citadel of Lille.

Le Marais
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Lomme

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Lomme. Top attractions like Lomme Urban Park and Planet Bowling are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Bourg Station or Maison des Enfants Station to see more of the city.

Lomme
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Vauban Esquermes

The bars and zoo are just a few things visitors like about Vauban Esquermes. Zoo Lille and Citadel of Lille are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Port de Lille Station or Cormontaigne Station to get around the larger area.

Vauban Esquermes
Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe

Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe

4 out of 5
Boulevard De Turin, Lille, Nord
The price is P5,728 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
P5,728
P6,671 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (988 reviews)
"Excellent for transport links walk to the station in minutes"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe
Hotel Lille Europe

Hotel Lille Europe

3 out of 5
Avenue Le Corbusier, Allée de Liege, Lille, Nord
The price is P3,234 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
P3,234
P3,794 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Good for business trip, convenient for transport."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Hotel Lille Europe
OKKO Hotels Lille Centre

OKKO Hotels Lille Centre

4 out of 5
13 rue d'Amiens, Lille
The price is P5,759 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
P5,759
P6,705 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (524 reviews)
"We really appreciated the early check-in and the service throughout was excellent. We also really enjoyed breakfast which had lots of options. We are looking forward to staying at their Paris branch again next month."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

OKKO Hotels Lille Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est

The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est

3 out of 5
161 Av. le Notre, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, Nord
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Villeneuve-d'Ascq. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (145 reviews)
Renard
"Très bien propre et confortable"

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

The Originals Residence, Le Wax, Lille Est
Citadines City Centre Lille

Citadines City Centre Lille

3 out of 5
Avenue Willy Brandt - Euralille, Lille, Nord
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (834 reviews)
"Awesome location between train station and the main part of town. Could walk anywhere from the location. Spacious rooms were great. Coffee machine was a bonus. They were doing some maintenance which meant some waiting at the lifts. They weren’t keen to change towels and rooms weren’t cleaned due ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Citadines City Centre Lille
Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe

Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe

2 out of 5
271 Avenue Willy Brandt, Lille
Stay at this aparthotel in Lille. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Pierre Mauroy Stadium and L'Aeronef are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,120 reviews)
"Conveniently located near mall and transit. No AC unfortunately."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Séjours & Affaires Lille Europe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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