A train journey in northern France from Lille to Amiens

The city of Lille is brimming with treasures just waiting to be discovered, and some of them are completely free to visit. Come and explore the citadel, Vauban’s famous creation, and then go and visit Charles de Gaulle’s childhood home. 

After a morning of culture, it’s time for some fun at the Fury Room in Lille, called Le Défouloir. What’s the idea? To blow off steam by hitting and breaking things... All recycled objects of course! The whole place is furnished with recycled goods. 

To recharge your batteries before you go for an evening walk around the city, book a table at the restaurant Gueuleton. This place is perfect for hearty eaters looking to sample local cuisine. They serve deli meats, cheese and wine. 

Book a room for the night at the Clarance Hotel, and enjoy the chic atmosphere in the centre of Vieux-Lille. After breakfast in your room and a morning stroll around the hotel’s vegetable garden, it’s time to catch the train to Arras.

Arras is well-known for its two magnificent cobbled squares surrounded by 155 Baroque Flemish-style houses. Walk up to the Pointe du Beffroi and you can admire them from up above. But that is not the only thing that makes the locals beam with pride. In Arras, you can also visit the stunning Boves, and there are also some unmissable shops to venture inside. Discover the local specialities at the Grand Place d’Arras, by stopping by Chez Marcel and Capone. If you’re looking for a hearty, local meal, book a table at Passe Pierre and order the Andouillette d’Arras, the town’s iconic dish. If you are there the last weekend in August, don’t miss the Fête de l’Andouillette!

Stay overnight at the Hotel de l’Univers, a stone’s throw from the train station. The welcoming rooms there provide the perfect place to relax after an evening stroll around the town. 

The next morning, after admiring the belfry one last time, make your way to the train station to catch your train to Amiens.

In 2021, Amiens was voted the happiest town in France. And you’ll soon see why. The town is full of superb places where you can enjoy delicious dishes, and it is also brimming with wonderful sights to see. Start by exploring the hortillonnages and then make your way to Amiens Cathedral. There is an incredible view of the cathedral from the top of the north tower. From up there, you’ll also have a panoramic view of Amiens and the surrounding area, up to 30 kilometres away. 

At lunchtime, stop by one of the pretty bars in Saint-Leu, the historic district of Amiens and order some tapas. Then pick up some local products at L’Ile aux Fruits. This organic fruit and vegetable farm is on an island. 

In the evening, book a table at the restaurant Ô Jardin, at the heart of the hortillonnages. Then, relax at the Marotte Hotel where there’s a green rooftop and local suppliers are used wherever possible. The hotel has been awarded the Green Key certification for its environmental efforts. The next day, if you want to go back to Lille, the train journey will take you around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Visit Lille, Amiens et Arras