A cultural and culinary getaway in Lille

If you are arriving by train, visit the nearby the Jardin des Géants, between the Parc Matisse and the Romarin district. Enjoy Two hectares of greenery right in theheart city. After that, make your way to Vieux-Lille, wander around the cobbled streets and admire the Flemish-style architecture. The CCI (Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and the Post Office are remarkable buildings, as is the former stock exchange where you’ll now find a permanent flea market. Take the time to appreciate the futuristic architecture of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral. Then, head to the nearby Porte de Gand, a ruin of the city walls that you’ll find out more about the next day when you visit the Citadel.

Enjoy a typical Flemish lunch with some of the region’s speciality dishes, such as the la Vieille gratin and the Biscoff mousse. 

In the afternoon, go for a stroll around the Grand’Place and the many shops on the adjacent Rue de Béthune, and admire the Palais Rihour on the way. Treat yourselves to an afternoon snack from Méert, famous for their waffles. If you are in Lille for three days, you’ll have time for a historic experience at 9 Rue Princesse, which is the childhood home of the General de Gaulle.
In the evening, make your way to L’Assiette du Marché, a superb bistro set in a courtyard and garden, serving traditional French cuisine. 

Stay for two nights at Eklo, a hotel that has been committed to sustainability since 2016.

Start your day with an urban treasure hunt in search of street art, before then enjoying the atmosphere at Wazemmes market, open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. If it’s sunny, take a seat out on the terrace for a concert as you sip a refreshing local beverage.

After lunch at the Grand Scène, which is an indoor food market and a coffee shop rolled into one, make your way to the Citadel, the gardens, zoo and the Champ de Mars. The children will love playing at the sports pitch there, and we recommend going for a walk along the Deûle to admire the greenery. Don’t miss the Kiosk and the Napoleon bridge which is a one-of-a-kind creation in France, and a great place to take photos at sunset.

If you are in Lille over a weekend, you’ll notice that the Rue Nationale, Rue Solférino and the Vieux-Lille district are all very lively places. For dinner, we recommend Bistronautes, on Rue de Pas, where you can expect a great atmosphere and local cuisine.

Begin the day by visiting the Villa Cavrois in Croix, around 10 kilometres north-east of Lille. This masterpiece by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens is a symbol of modernism and was designed for Paul Cavrois, reflecting an avant-garde vision of luxury.

Villa Cavrois can be reached by taking the tram R from Lille or it is a very pleasant 45-minute bike ride away. 

Go for lunch at Rozo, where the creative and local cuisine is worth the detour, in the unique setting of a former printing house.

In the afternoon, take the time to visit La Piscine de Roubaix, a museum of art and industry, for a truly unique cultural experience. It is possible to reach this museum either on public transport or by bike from Lille. The Art Déco building once housed the municipal swimming baths and it has been wonderfully transformed to really showcase the remarkable architecture and exhibit a diverse range of collections. During your visit, you’ll be able to admire a huge range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, illustrations, and textiles that portray the fascinating industrial history of the region. The atmosphere here is unique with the former swimming pools transformed into exhibition spaces, and the old-fashioned changing rooms still intact. This unique setting really helps to showcase each piece exhibited.