Beyond Paris: Discover Lille’s Authentic Charm
By Sam Lee, 2025. For authentic experiences, Lille is an overlooked jewel next to the more well-known Paris.
Just an hour north of Paris by train, and with fast, direct rail links to Brussels and London, Lille is both an eco-friendly and accessible city break.
Don't get me wrong. I adore Paris. But sometimes, I crave that French je ne sais quoi without the Eiffel Tower-sized crowds, which is where Lille steps in.
In this guide, I share my favorite things to do in Lille, showcasing hidden gems and must-see spots along the way.
TRAVEL TIP: Before exploring Lille, I recommend you visit the tourist office (housed in a fabulous flamboyant gothic–style building from the mid-1400s) to pick up a City Pass, which covers entry to museums, attractions, and public transport. Or you can also buy it in advance here.
01 —
Discover historic Lille
Lille is steeped in history and gorgeous architecture.
Start your day at the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France's largest fine arts museums. Its impressive collection, which rivals that of the Louvre, showcases work from renowned artists and offers insight into Lille's rich cultural heritage.
Next, wander over to the impressive Vieille Bourse. This former stock exchange showcases stunning Flemish Renaissance architecture. It's also a vibrant spot for locals selling books and flowers.
Don't miss out on visiting the Citadel of Lille, a star-shaped fortress built by Vauban in the 17th century. Stroll through its surrounding park for some fresh air and picturesque views.
Make your way to La Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle. Explore this charming museum dedicated to one of France's most renowned figures while learning about his early life here in Lille.
The Porte de Paris ("Gate of Paris"), built in the 17th century to commemorate Louis XIV's conquering of the city, is also worth a visit.
Across the street from the Porte de Paris is a Unesco-listed Belfry and Lille’s famous Lille's Hôtel de Ville. You can climb to the top at 104 meters (the highest point in the city) to get a panoramic view of the city. You'll get binoculars and an audio guide.
Browse the map below for key attractions in Lille. Read on for what to eat, where to stay and travel tips around Lille.
There is so much to do in Lille. Think about taking these fun guided tours (and it’s always nice to support local small businesses):
02 —
Taste Lille’s local cuisine
Start your morning with a classic "tartine"—a slice of bread topped with fresh cheese, ham, or duck pâté. Pair it with a strong cup of local coffee.
As lunchtime approaches, head to one of the bustling markets for some street food. Try a "moules-frites," mussels served with crispy fries that are a staple here.
For dinner, don't miss out on the opportunity to savor "carbonnade flamande," beef stew cooked in dark beer and spices. It's rich and comforting.
Save room for dessert! A "gaufre" (waffle) drizzled in chocolate will make your taste buds sing. Each bite showcases Lille's unique flavors and traditions.
It’s easy to wander through cozy bistros and charming cafes, but local foodie tours are also an option.
03 —
Explore the art, design, and culture scene in Lille
From music to design, Lille has a lot to offer culture lovers.
Known as the "Capital of Design," Lille boasts a dynamic community of designers contributing to its creative landscape. The city hosts various design events, such as the annual Design Week, where talented local designers can showcase their work.
Lille's art scene has numerous art galleries, museums, and festivals that showcase contemporary and traditional works of art. In addition to the famous Palais des Beaux-Arts, the city hosts the annual International Contemporary Art Fair (ART UP!), where you can browse and purchase artworks from local and international artists.
Lille's music scene is pretty good and reasonably diverse. The city has several concert halls and live music venues, such as Zenith Arena and Le Splendid, where you can see performances by popular French and international artists.
Lille also has many bars and cafes that feature live music performances throughout the week. A visit to the Opera of Lille on the Place du Théâtre is a good place.
04 —
Shop in Lille's markets and boutiques
Lille is a bit of a shopper's paradise. The city boasts cool markets and charming boutiques that cater to every taste.
Start your day at the famous Wazemmes Market, known for its lively atmosphere and eclectic offerings. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
Afterward, stroll through the cobbled streets and browse the stylish boutiques. You’ll find unique pieces from established designers and indie labels.
For something more traditional, check out La Fête de la Saint-Nicolas or one of Lille's many artisanal shops offering regional specialties like maroilles cheese or delicious chocolates.
TRAVEL TIP: On Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings, Place Nouvelle Aventure hosts a much-loved (and huge) outdoor market.
TRAVEL TIP: Some locals complain that the city is quiet on Sundays and that not much happens, which may be a good or a bad thing—I’ll leave it to you to decide!
05 —
Take a day trip outside Lille
If you have time, consider escaping to the picturesque countryside.
One gem worth visiting is Villeneuve-d'Ascq. Wander through its serene parks and explore local history at the Museum of Modern Art.
For something different, visit the quaint town of Arras (pictured above). Its World War 1 underground tunnels are worth a visit. Make sure to check out the stunning architecture and sample regional cheeses and fresh pastries from local bakeries.
06 —
How to get to Lille
Take a train
With the Eurostar, you can reach London St Pancras in 90 minutes from Lille's gleaming Gare Lille-Europe. It usually takes 35 minutes to reach Brussels-Midi from Gare Lille-Europe and 60 minutes to reach Paris Gare du Nord from both Gare Lille-Europe and the old Gare Lille-Flandres.
Arrive by bus
In addition to Eurolines and Flixbus, Isilines and Ouibus serve destinations throughout France.
Arrive by plane
Lille has its own airport, the Aéroport de Lille, which serves a handful of French and European destinations.
That's a wrap. Ready to visit Lille?
Lille is a little gem in France — often overlooked. With its authentic and unique charm, rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture, this city has something to offer most travelers.
Plus, you can make the entire trip with low-impact transport such as trains, cycling, and walking. So, why not consider Lille next time you plan a trip to France? Happy travels!
NEXT READ:
Lille, France: Your Perfect Romantic Getaway?
6 Seriously Good Day Trips (90 Mins) From Paris
Did you like this article on discovering Lille? Pin it for later!
