The Opera of Lille is located on the Place du Thtre. Youll note a Maghreb accent at Wazemmes, in the spices and exotic fruits and vegetables used in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. It turned out that they were not disappointed. See all Unique Tour of Lille by Convertible 2CV - 1h00 225 Bus Tours from 4,070.81 per adult (price varies by group size) 2 Hours Paris Private Tour in Vintage French Car 9 Bus Tours from 24,334.40 per group (up to 4) Outsider artists like Augustin Lesage, Henry Darger and the famous schizophrenic Carlo Zinelli are all featured. The museum grounds include buildings dating to the 15th through 18th centuries: the old hospital ward, convent buildings, and a chapel that belonged to nuns. This is not because it is a cathedral, it resembles a beautiful piece formed from the coming together of different parts of a church. Thanks, Whaaat! This really is one of the best things to do in Lille. The row of houses was created in 1687 by Simon Vollant based on guidelines from the City Council of Lille to achieve uniformity of architecture in the city center. Another option is to fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport. Check out SafetyWing. that happens all year round to the amusement of locals and visitors. Close to these landmarks are these highly rated hotels in Lille: Nearby Places to Visit: For many tourists, a visit to Lille is taken as a day trip from Paris or as a detour on the way to Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. The Saint-Maurice Church is also distinguished by its harmonious interior featuring five aisles and 36 tall columns. For those who wouldnt necessarily consider themselves fans of fine art (thatll be me), there are some modern art pieces on display too, as well as a carousel of temporary exhibits that may spark some interest. It takes about 25 minutes to walk from the train station to the museum. Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Feb 10, 2023We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Nouvelle Aventure, 59000 Lille, FranceSave on Google Maps|Save on Tripadvisor*. Occasionally, events are held in the square and around Christmas, a huge Ferris Wheel is erected offering fabulous views of the city centre below. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Simon Vollant, 59000 Lille, FranceVisit Website|Save on Google Maps|Save on Tripadvisor*. About 12 kilometers northeast (a 20-minute drive) from Lille is Villeneuve d'Ascq, renowned for this prestigious museum of modern art. We visited in the pouring rain, yet even then, the atmosphere was buzzing. There are also wonderful examples of 19th- and 20th-century French paintings, as well as Impressionist art, an antiquities collection, and a sculpture gallery with pieces by Rodin and other artists. Should Parc des Princes Become An Official Travel Attraction? L'Art de Vivre Bed & Breakfast is a bit softer on the wallet while still getting great reviews. We had a lovely time. The Muse du Louvre-Lens dazzles visitors with its sleek exhibit spaces and top-notch collection. We didn't really go shopping though, neither did we take a tour or visit a museum. Savvy travellers know that Lille has a . Lille is the largest city of French Flanders and has a distinctive Flemish character, seen in its lovely architecture and hearty cuisine. Lille museums. Free entry to more than 30 sites and activities, Free use of Lille's public transport network, Discounts in selected restaurants and shops in Lille, Roubaix, and Tourcoing, Free entry to more than 30 tourist sites and activities in Lille, Free usage of Lille's public transport network (metro, bus, tram). Old Town Lille is great for shopping. Old Lille has an abundance of baroque buildings, with delicately gabled roofs, and plush late-19th-century homes on engaging streets. This area is the best place to experience Lille's old-world charm and vibrant urban energy. Simon Vollant, 59800 Lille, FranceSave on Google Maps|Save on Tripadvisor*. There are works by Monet, Raphael, Gustave Courbet, Rubens, van Gogh, Donatello, Jacob Jordaens and Picasso, but this is just the swiftest breeze through whats on show. On sunny days, it's especially pleasant to sit at the restaurant's shaded outdoor terrace that overlooks a garden. The caf's seasonally updated menu features dishes prepared from fresh, local ingredients. The buildings are arranged around two courtyards and a garden where medicinal plants were grown. It's the capital of the Hauts-de-France department and one of the biggest cities in France. Vieux Lille, the old Flemish town created in the 16th and 17th centuries, spreads north and west from here. It shut down in the 80s but was reopened as a wonderful space in which to showcase a large archive of textile samples gathered from Lilles many textile factories. Travelers will see Flemish buildings, the facades surrounding the Grande Place, the last evidence of Spanish rule, Art Nouveau, Haussman-style, and Art Deco.- there is a highlight at every corner. Though there are brilliant restaurants, trendy bistros, and chic cafes and bars, a distinct experience will involve settling at a table in an original estaminet, the local restaurants name that serves local dishes in an impressive and cozy ambiance. A multimedia center provides a historic overview of Charles de Gaulle's life and accomplishments. The theatres faade is gorgeous, and when the weather is great, you can see attendees sitting on steps that lead to the front doors. The Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle also presents temporary exhibits. 8.2/10 Very Good! We went to Lille a few years ago for a wedding and I have to say that I LOVED it. This restaurant might not have the best food in Lille but it is open all day, every day making it perfect for a bite to eat after a night out. For art buffs, Lille is home to the Musee d'Art Moderne and the Palais des Beaux Arts. The museums permanent collection includes fine arts, industrial artefacts and cultural heritage. Within France, the peaceful countryside and historic attractions of the Champagne region are easily accessible from Lille in less than two hours by train or car. Candles on each table make it a nice spot for couples to have a quiet dinner. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France. Lille is one of the best places to visit in Europe for flea market shopping. For many visitors, arriving by train will be the best option. Lille's Flemish cultural heritage is seen in its distinctive Baroque architecture and hearty cuisine. As you might expect with Lille being a large city, there are plenty of places to stay during your trip to suit all kinds of budget. Read Expedia's guide to find out everything you need to know about visiting University of Lille! Regardless of where you are in Lille, you will always be close to a chic bar or a local estaminet to help you sample the traditional specialties. Metro line 2 runs from Lille city centre all the way to Roubaix. Lille. The drive takes about 30 minutes by car. The Goddess was sculpted in 1845 by Thophile Bra, who also created bas-reliefs on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The galleries of the Vieille Bourse courtyard host the March de Bouquinistes (Booksellers' Market), held year-round (Tuesday through Friday from 1pm until 7pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am until 7pm). Ticket available online: Town Hall Belfry Entry Ticket. Great post girl! Even the driest month still has a lot of rainfall. I'm a fan of tight architecture without any fringes, but this facade I wasn't convinced. Whilst youre in the area, try to find Passage des Trois Anguilles. Belfries are something typical of Belgium and the north of France and Lille's belfry can be seen by City Hall at the Place Augustin Laurent. If you want to do those things during your Lille visit as well and visit the city center at a slower pace, then a day in Lille might not be enough. Built in 1675, this church boasts an attractive Baroque design and an impressive 50-meter high dome; the faade dates from 1884. (44 rue de la Halle) This somewhat intimate restaurant is a great place for lunch or dinner. However, the city is best known for its vibrant market scenes. Includes practical information on how to plan and book your visit, plus things to do in Roubaix. Pros: - nice tourist attractions (quite a couple of them) - many food options - people are open & friendly Cons: - hella expensive - limited vegan food options - you should at . By all accounts, this fine art museum is meant to be superb and one of the best places to visit in Lille. Lille has two train stations: Lille Flandres Train Station and Lille Europe Train Station. The Citadel is still a French military base today, so you cant enter, but you can admire the various gates and outer walls on a ramble in the canal-side park, in Esquermes, the same posh part of the city as the Zoo. Nord-Pas de Calais. Photos really dont do any justice to how beautiful it is in real life. La Maison du Champlain is a Bed and Breakfast located in a charming 19th-century building. Highlights of the collection include works by famous artists such as Braque, Kandinsky, Klee, Mir, Modigliani, and Picasso. Highlights include its enchanting old town with magnificent French and Flemish architecture, renowned art museums, stylish shopping, outstanding cuisine, a nightlife scene bolstered by 67,000 university students, and some 1600 designers in its environs. Visitors are welcome to wander into the inner courtyard where secondhand booksellers routinely set up shop, chess players do battle and locals meet their friends before going on to nights out. 10 Lillenium. The name Lille evolved from L'le, meaning island. Lille has a completely automated subway system. The arch resides on a quiet roundabout surrounded by residential buildings that have a very strong resemblance to buildings in Paris itself, so for a moment (and from certain angles), you could almost convince yourself you were in Paris. There, art is a major part of city life and not some esoteric thing reserved for a select few. I totally agree! Located close to the Belgian border, there is much to do and see that is worth visiting for; in your next France visit. All Rights Reserved. The source of the artworks on display couldn't be more prestigious. The pool was completed in 1932 and was conceived in an exquisite art deco style. In the heart of the old town (Vieux Lille), the Muse de l'Hospice Comtesse occupies a medieval hospital founded in 1237 by the Countess Jeanne de Flandre. The direct train ride from Lille to Lens takes around 45 minutes. It's a great city for architecture lovers as it contains a very different style to that of any other French city. A modern city with a historical core, there's no shortage of things to do in Lille. Check the rates for your dates. This exceptional modern art museum surprises visitors with its unexpected venue: the former Art Dco swimming pool in Roubaix, 15 kilometers from Lille. Author Lisa Alexander spent two years living in France and has traveled the country extensively. I've picked four towns that are easy to get to . Lille Museum of Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux-Arts) is the second most popular museum in France (the Louvre is number 1) and contains a very wide selection of paintings covering all art-forms and most artists from the 16th century to the 20th century. du Gnral de Gaulle, 59800 Lille, FranceSave on Google Maps|Save on Tripadvisor*. 2. I hope this post has given you a good idea of what to see in Lille in one day and has made you curious about visiting Lille as well. and the awesome beers. There are lots of things to see and do in Lille, which is a friendly city and is becoming increasingly popular as a French destination. An interesting assortment of ceramics by Picasso, Dufy, and Chagall (among others) adorns the area around the pool. In that case, you could plan a weekend in Lille or go during the week when it's calmer in the center (and in the shops ;-). Below you can read exactly which Lille attractions dad and I visited when we explored the city, and which Lille activities you can't miss. Lille was Cultural Capital of Europe in 2004. By the 16th century, the braderie became a larger event with more participants, including servants who sold used items from the estates where they worked. A worthwhile detour between Paris and Brussels leads to Lille, the historic capital of Flanders (a medieval principality that encompassed part of northern France, as well as Belgian and Dutch provinces). Besides the flea market, there are concerts and soires, which give the event a convivial ambience similar to a festival. This was our first stop during our Lille day trip and it's a great place to start because as with many central squares you can explore the entire center from here. The caf prepares French, Italian, and fusion cuisine from scratch, using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. Outside, youll find some much larger sculptures nestled amidst the greenery of the garden. Lille makes a perfect long-weekend escape, with rates dropping (often dramatically) on Friday and Saturday nights. The mall is open from 10am to 8pm every day, and it has a cinema complex with several screens that shows various movies. Yup, I have affiliate links on this blog and there may be some in this amazing and completely free content below. See all 2022 Vieux-Lille 3,511 Points of Interest & Landmarks 2022 Grande Place 2,851 Points of Interest & Landmarks 2022 Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille 1,866 Art Museums 2022 Lille Zoo 1,990 Zoos 2022 Old Stock Exchange 1,263 Theres some wonderfully quirky and unique stuff available, so take your time to browse and to appreciate how diverse and alive the local artistic community is. The surrounding area offers lots of decent food options, particularly world cuisine, though not too many obvious vegan options unfortunately. To make things easier, consider booking a transfer to drop you off right at the reception. Prices are at worst, competitive and at best, a steal. After a . The city centre of Lille is gorgeous and is perfect for a sightseeing trip. France Travel Guide. It is one of the widely known in the country. Lille Tourism Lille Hotels Bed and Breakfast Lille Lille Holiday Rentals Lille Holiday Packages Flights to Lille La Broche; Lille Attractions Lille Travel Forum Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. The Eglise Saint-Maurice is a beautiful Gothic church that was founded in the 14th century. Also, in just a short car or train ride, visitors will be within an entire host of other cultural gems like the impressiveLouvre Lensor thePiscine de Roubaix. Their customer support team is great and I can personally recommend them. If you go, be sure to let me know how it was! Chez Fred. Lille is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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The people from Brussels and London can stop by and have some of the best travel experiences in Lille without having to travel further south of France. Weve also included a couple of things to do in Roubaix, a neighbouring city that has become a part of the greater metropolitan area of Lille. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. Concerts and soires, which give the event a convivial ambience similar to a festival similar! Visit the historic old town area is meant to be superb and one of the best places visit. Flemish character, seen in its lovely architecture and hearty cuisine Breakfast is a Gothic. Say that I LOVED it this prestigious museum of modern art at best, a steal display... Best, a steal de Triomphe in Paris la Maison du Champlain is a Bed and Breakfast located in charming. This really is one of the collection include works by famous artists such as Braque, Kandinsky Klee. 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