The best things to see and do in Lille, France

Lille is a city that has a rich history and is known for its Flemish architecture and vibrant culture. It’s located in the northern part of France, close to the border with Belgium. Lille is famous for its Grande Braderie, an annual flea market that attracts millions of visitors each year, as well as for its delicious local cuisine, which includes traditional dishes like carbonade flamande (a beef stew) and moules-frites (mussels with fries).

The city also has a strong cultural scene, with a number of museums, theaters, and galleries, including the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the largest fine art museums in France. Lille is easily accessible by train from Paris and other major European cities, making it a popular destination for tourists looking to explore northern France and beyond.

These are the best things to do in Lille, France.

Explore the Old Town

Lille’s historic center is a maze of winding streets, beautiful Flemish architecture, and charming squares. Be sure to visit the Grand Place and the Place Rihour, which are lined with restaurants and cafes. Place Louise de Bettignies and Rue de la Monnaie are both lovely streets to walk down.

Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts

Lille’s Palais des Beaux-Arts is one of the largest fine art museums in France and features works by renowned artists such as Rubens, Monet, and Van Gogh.

La Vieille Bourse

The old stock exchange dates back to the mid-17th century and is a building that’s worth checking out whilst you’re walking around in Lille. It’s located right near the Grand Place and consists of 24 Flemish renaissance houses, situated around a central arcaded courtyard. It was designed by Julien Destrée, a decorative furniture designer by trade, and the facade is beautiful.

Explore the Citadelle de Lille

This impressive 17th-century fortress was designed by French military engineer Vauban and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers great views of the city. Whilst you can’t go inside as it’s a French military base, you can still admire the outside and walk around the gardens.

Visit the La Piscine Museum

A short drive outside Lille, this museum is housed in a former Art Deco swimming pool and features a collection of art and design objects from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Wander through the Wazemmes Market

This bustling market is a great place to sample local cuisine and shop for fresh produce, cheese, and meats. It’s open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday morning.

Stroll through the Jardin des Plantes

This beautiful botanical garden is home to over 6,000 plant species and features a lovely greenhouse and a small zoo.

Visit the Zoo

Located in the same area as the Citadelle de Lille, Lille’s zoo doesn’t cost much to enter, and is worth a visit if you have a couple of hours to spare. It’s relatively small, but has around 450 animals and seven areas to explore.

Sample local cuisine

Lille is known for its hearty Flemish cuisine, which includes dishes such as carbonade flamande (beef stew), moules-frites (mussels with fries), and welsh rarebit (a cheese and beer dish). For something sweet, head to Aux Merveillieux for a merveilleux (a pastry with merengue, whipped cream and chocolate).

Visit the Hospice Comtesse Museum

This 15th-century former hospital has been converted into a museum that tells the story of Lille’s history and culture through its collections of art and artifacts.

Attend the Braderie de Lille

If you’re travelling to Lille in September, this annual flea market is held on the first weekend of September and attracts millions of visitors from all over Europe. It’s a great place to find bargains and experience the local culture.

Shop at the Old Town Boutiques or Euralille Mall

Euralille Mall is a modern shopping center that features a mix of high-end boutiques and mainstream retailers, as well as restaurants and cafes. Old Town Lille is also great for shopping, and it’s where you’ll find the luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermès. There’s also lots of boutiques on Rue de la Clef and Rue Masurel.

Enjoy your time in Lille!