Lille, France
Lille, located in the north of France near the Belgian border, is a vibrant city that boasts a charming old town, impressive architecture, and mouth-watering food.
Trip to Lille, France
Lille is the capital city of the north of France. It is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Known for its architecture, museums, shopping, and waffles, it has something for everyone.
Day 1: Arrival and Evening in Vieux Lille
The first day of your trip to Lille will be spent exploring the historic Vieux Lille quarter. After arriving, check in to your hotel and head over to the city center, where you’ll find stunning Flemish-style architecture, such as the renowned Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy wandering the cobbled streets and perusing the many boutique shops and restaurants opened until late in the evening. Don’t forget to try the local beer and some delicious, authentic waffles.
Day 2: Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts
Start your day by visiting the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the largest fine arts museums in France. The collection of paintings is impressive, with works from both French and Flemish artists. There are also numerous sculptures and antiquities on display, so the whole museum is definitely worth taking the time to explore. Once you’ve finished, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon in one of the many parks in the city before experiencing the nightlife, with many bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from.
Day 3: Explore the Citadelle Park
Day three should be spent exploring the Citadelle Park. This extensive park has gardens, lakes, and a zoo, and from here you’ll be able to enjoy fantastic views of the city. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the lake. After spending a relaxed day in the park, you can head back into town to enjoy an evening at one of the trendy wine bars or bistros that Lille has to offer.
Day 4: Visit the Lille Cathedral
Spend the morning at the Lille Cathedral. This Gothic church has a unique style that is worth seeing, and it’s just a short walk from the center. After viewing the cathedral and its surroundings, go ahead and take a stroll through the commercial streets for some great shopping in Lille, which include boutiques from famous French brands such as Agnes b, Hermes and Chanel plus many others.
Day 5: Discover La Piscine Museum
Today you will visit the La Piscine Museum. This former Art Deco-style swimming pool is now a museum of fine arts and fashion, and it boasts an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. The old swimming pool is also on display, and has a unique ambiance that is understandably soothing. After finishing up at the museum, why not have a leisurely afternoon walking through the park of Barbieux, which is not far away from the museum.
Day 6: Explore the Wazemmes Market
Spend the day exploring the lively Wazemmes Market, where you will get to appreciate the city’s multicultural heritage. The market is open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and has been running for more than a century. It offers a variety of items from all around the world, including food, jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk and a drink from one of the numerous cafes in the market.
Day 7: Tour the Hospice Comtesse
On the last day of your trip to Lille, take a tour of the Hospice Comtesse, which is a 17th-century hospital that has been transformed into a museum dedicated to the history of the city. You can also find traditional Flemish architecture here, as well as stunning gardens. After your tour, you can spend the rest of your day enjoying some local food and drink such as the moules-frites or the carbonnade flamande, accompanied with a pint of the local beer.
That concludes your 7-day trip to Lille, with many things to see and do, your trip to Lille is sure to be a memorable one that will leave fond memories for years to come.