Things to do in Lille

The centre of Lille is actually easy to get around by foot, and most of the sites are within easy reach, with the exception of the Piscine which is in Roubaix, some 12km out of the city and the Citadelle. You may even get a good impression of the city on your walk from Lille Europe Train Station to your hotel. Nevertheless, it’s very much worth taking time to see some of the sights in Lille as they are very much overlooked by many tourists. If you have to see one thing in Lille we would recommend the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille (Museum). 

Old Lille

The old part of Lille, with its cobbled streets, Flemish-style houses and pretty boutiques will be enough to eat up a few hours at least. Try out some of the cafes an restaurants while you're there.

Charles de Gaulle Birthplace

On 22nd November 1890, Charles de Gaulle was born in the house of Jules-Emile and Julia Maillot, his grandparents, at 9, rue Princesse in Lille. His Birthplace was the venue for family gatherings and the young Charles de Gaulle spent holidays there. The house remained in the de Gaulle family until 1948, and was turned into a museum in the 1960's. The house is in the Old town of Lille.

Musee l'Hospice Comtesse

The former hospital in old Lille is now a museum depicting life in the middle ages. Its quite discreetly located, so keep your eyes peeled. 

Citadelle

Built in 1668, the Citadelle is a pentagon (or star shaped) fortress designed to protect the Lords of Flanders from the French. You'll find another good example in Gravelines, also designed by Vauban.

Palais des Beaux Arts

The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille (Lille Palace of Fine Arts) is one of the largest museums in France, and the largest French museum outside of Paris. It was one of the first museums built in France, established under the instructions of Napoleon I at the beginning of the 19th century as part of the popularisation of art.

Opéra de Lille

Located right in the centre of the city next to the Grand Place, it's worth visiting just to look at but make sure you check what's happening before you arrive in Lille. 

Roubaix la Piscine

A magnificent art-deco swimming pool, turned into an art gallery and museum. Based in the suburb of Roubaix.

Old Bourse

Built in 1652 the Old Bourse stands proudly in the Grand Place adorned with it's Flemish Renaissance architecture so typicl of the 17th century. The Bourse was in competition with other Flemish towns of Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent in its time but has been an historical monument since 1921.

Belfry and Town Hall

The Belfry is typical of northern France and Flanders with similar structures in Bruges and Bergues. It is used as the municipal town hall these days but it is still listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Grand Place

You'll come across the Grand Place without even trying as it's in the centre and close to all the hotels. It is the centre of life in Lille, but as a tourist you can sit back and watch the world go by from one of its cafes. Great photo opportunities here.

Euralille

The place to go if the weather is bad. The enormous Euralille shopping complex has all the big brands, and is located conveniently close to the Lille Europe Rail Station. You can even go there for the day from London if you're that way inclined.

Flea Markets

Lille's Braderie flea market has been voted amongst the best in Europe, so go along and bag a bargain on the first weekend in September when the whole town becomes a flea market. The Wazemmes Flea Market is open on all Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Sacre Coeur Church

Join a guided tour of the Gothic Roman Catholic church built in the late 19th century.