Lille is the jewel in the crown of northern France, ideal for a weekend getaway. This dynamic city harmoniously combines its rich historical heritage with a lively contemporary atmosphere. As you wander through its narrow streets, you'll visit museums and sample some of the North's unmissable cuisine, all in a friendly atmosphere. Here's a short itinerary to help you see as many wonders as possible in just 2 days!
Day 1: Old Lille and the Palais des Beaux-Arts
A visit to a city ideally begins with its heart, where the stones tell the story. In fact, Vieux Lille is one of the 17 must-sees in the Hauts-de-France region, so you're in for a treat!
Saturday morning: Old Lille
Start your day at the majestic Place Rihour. The nerve center of Lille, it embodies the essence of the city, with its Flemish architecture and lively cafés. This is also where you'll find the tourist office, if you're looking for a few original ideas to round off your weekend, or to start planning a longer stay in the future!
From here, head for the famous Grand-Place, a true 17th-century gem where the Column of the Goddess stands proudly. Here, the old facades of the houses rival each other in beauty. In winter, the Ferris Wheel, which returns every year, seems to be calling you to admire Lille from the heights: a must-do, it's splendid! It's also an interesting time of year, as braving the winter chill allows you to stroll through one of Europe's most beautiful Christmas markets.
Continue your journey along the picturesque Rue de la Grande Chaussée, accessible via Rue de la Bourse. Lined with elegant boutiques, such as Hermès, and delightful little restaurants, it's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Lille. Venturing further afield, just 600 meters away, Place Louise de Bettignies offers a peaceful atmosphere in which to take a break. Finish your tour with a visit to the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse, housed in a former 17th-century hospice. Here you'll discover artistic and historical treasures that bear witness to the region's rich history.
This exploration of Vieux Lille will immerse you in the soul of the city, blending history, culture and architectural charm. It's time to settle down for a while. And since we're in Lille, we'll take advantage of the opportunity to sit down in an estaminet and sample the local specialties! You'll find several near Place Louise de Bettignies:
- Chez la Vieille,
- Estaminet Les Ptiots,
- Les Vieux de la Vieille, etc.
On the menu: welsh, carbonnade flamande, maroilles, potjevleesch and many other delicacies.
Would you like a guided tour of Old Lille ? Click here to book and take advantage of our partner's special rates!
Saturday afternoon: the Hôtel de Ville Belfry and the Palais des Beaux-Arts
Now that you've had your fill, it's time to get back to sightseeing!
The Hôtel de Ville Belfry
Back to the Hôtel de Ville to visit its Belfry, a must-see in Lille. You've got plenty of time, now that you've had a good look around. If you prefer to do it all in one go, you can visit it in the morning as you pass by, and continue your tour of Vieux Lille afterwards. Some 100 m high, it offers an incredible panoramic view of the city, including the Porte de Paris.
Good to know: this building is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Mondays. The first tour of the day, from 10 to 11 a.m., is by reservation only. That's why we've decided to schedule this visit in the afternoon (all other times are free), to give you more flexibility during your day.
Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille
The Belfry and the Musée des Beaux-Arts are only 650 meters apart if you go on foot. The easiest way is to take the Boulevard de la Liberté, which takes you directly to the museum.
A visit to Lille's Palais des Beaux-Arts houses one of the most impressive art collections in France, offering a fascinating dive into the history of European art. Here you can admire masterpieces by painters such as Rubens, Van Dyck and Delacroix. Sculptures, decorative arts and antiques complete this exceptional collection. The museum's vast galleries immerse you in a journey through the centuries: absolutely magical!
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays (closed on Tuesdays, but don't worry if you're coming for the weekend). Whether you're staying for 24 or 48 hours, we recommend buying the City Pass Lille here, which gives you free use of public transport as well as entry to several museums and other places in Lille, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Saturday night : Lille by Night
After a good meal in a restaurant, why not head to the Lille Opera House? The building itself, all lit up, is a splendor by night! Push open the doors and you'll be immersed in a unique ambience that you rarely get to experience on a day-to-day basis.
If you prefer, the Théâtre Sébastopol also offers pleasant evenings for couples looking for a fun evening out in Lille. Generally speaking, many of Lille's buildings light up in the evening. A stroll through the city is all the more charming for it! From the Opera House to the Vieille Bourse, you're in for a delightfully bucolic stroll.
Day 2: Citadelle and museum visit
After a good night's sleep, you're fresh and ready to continue your weekend in Lille.
Sunday morning: the Citadelle of Lille
You can't visit Lille without seeing the Citadelle ! This imposing 17th-century monument is a veritable icon of the city. It was designed by architect Vauban, a master of military architecture at the time, and played a key role in the defense of the region for centuries.
Although the Citadelle is primarily a military site, it is possible to explore part of it on guided tours organized at certain times of the year. Please contact the tourist office for details. These tours allow you to discover the fascinating history of the Citadelle and its impressive fortified architecture. In addition to its historical interest, this star-shaped building is surrounded by vast green spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic. The people of Lille themselves love the Parc de la Citadelle, which is accessible to everyone.
Around the Citadelle, various points of interest can round off your morning:
- the Vieille Bourse,
- the Pont Royal Park,
- notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral.
And don't forget to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a tasty northern snack: a waffle! But not just any waffle: some of the best-known addresses are Lacquemant, Chuck's and Chez Méert.
Sunday afternoon: Natural History Museum and local museum
Allow 1h30 to 2h to visit Lille's Natural History Museum. Founded in 1822, this museum boasts an impressive collection of naturalized animals, minerals, fossils and botanical specimens. Embark on a fascinating journey through the animal kingdom: kids love it! Among the museum's treasures are dinosaurs, exotic animals and interactive, educational exhibits for all ages. There's even a "Curiosity Corner" to delight all curious little ones! Last but not least, the museum organizes temporary collections entitled "Objects of the Month", exhibiting new artifacts every month to take you on a voyage of discovery. The museum is open every day except Tuesday.
Tip opt for the City Pass ! It gives you reduced-rate access to many of the city's museums and points of interest.
What's more, it opens the doors to another place that will bring your day to a close: the Maison natale de Charles de Gaulle, located around 3 km from the previous museum. It's an emblematic place steeped in history. Located in the Rue Princesse district, this picturesque residence is the birthplace of the famous French statesman. Now a museum, it offers an intimate glimpse into the life of General de Gaulle. Here you can see personal objects, photographs and rare documents recounting his childhood and early years. The original rooms have been carefully restored, allowing you to learn more about the childhood of the man who would later shape the history of France.
Visiting Lille in winter? This is the perfect warm address to discover this cold season!
Day 3, for an extended weekend: Lille rehabilitated, Vauban garden
Great, you're still here! You're lucky enough to be visiting Lille for an extended weekend! It's an ideal city for a weekend away in May, with all its lovely public holidays.
Monday morning: rehabilitated places in Lille
Lille is a city of renewal. The many rehabilitated sites to be found here are proof of this. This ever-evolving city has transformed some of its former industrial sites into cultural treasures.
The Tripostal, once a postal sorting office (no surprise there!), is now a must-see destination for contemporary art lovers. Its vast exhibition rooms showcase national and international artists, offering a glimpse into contemporary creativity. For its part, the Gare Saint-Sauveur, once a freight station, has been transformed into a lively venue. It now houses :
- a trendy bar,
- a cinema,
- and a variety of art exhibitions.
It has become a lively cultural space, hosting concerts, festivals and artistic events throughout the year.
And don't forget to visit the Maisons Folie de Wazemmes and Moulins. The result of the rehabilitation of former industrial buildings, they celebrate the city's artistic, cultural and community diversity. On the program: exhibitions, performances, workshops and festive events.
Monday afternoon: finish exploring downtown
You've got just a little time left before departure. Take advantage of it to stroll through the still unexplored alleys of the city center. Make the most of the time you have left by admiring the Maison Coillot, a superb and unusual residence on Rue de Fleurus. It's just a 1 km walk from Maison Folie Wazemmes.
If your long weekend runs from Friday to Sunday, you can also visit the famous book market held in the inner courtyard of the Vieille Bourse. Don't miss it! This market takes place every day except Monday. Finally, if you haven't had a chance to visit it yet, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille is just 500 meters from the Vieille Bourse, and well worth a visit.
Where to stay in Lille?
Many of Lille's hotels are located in the city center, offering easy access for your various visits. The closer you stay to the main points of interest, the more time you'll save! Good news: Lille is an inexpensive destination for a weekend in France!
- Le Napoléon, the best location
The Hotel Napoléon, which you can book here is located very close to the Lille Flandres and Lille Europe train stations. It's ideal if you're coming to Hauts-de-France by train! The city center and its various points of interest are then just a few minutes away. For a very small price, you'll enjoy a welcoming, well-located hotel. It's an ideal address, whether you're coming to Lille for pleasure or a company seminar. This establishment caters for everyone!
- L'Hermitage Gantois, top-of-the-range in the heart of the city
Would you like to sleep in a listed building close to the heart of the city? Welcome to L'Hermitage Gantois, located next to the Hôtel de Ville Belfry, which you can book in just a few clicks here. Its luxurious rooms, hammam and swimming pool will make your stay a pure delight.
- Hôtel de la Treille, the charm of the old and the comfort of the new
At the Hôtel de la Treille, you'll enjoy a cosy stay in a warm atmosphere. With its superb view of the cathedral and comfortable rooms, it's a great place to put down your bags for the weekend. Click here to book your stay!
What to do on a romantic weekend in Lille?
A stroll through the superb Jardin Vauban offers a pleasant romantic interlude for lovers. However, we advise you to go early in the morning or at sunset, to avoid the crowds. Of course, a stroll through Vieux Lille is also a must. Hand in hand, you can discover this city steeped in history at your own pace, before settling down with your loved ones on a café terrace.
In the evening, we recommend a trip to Lille's theater or opera house. You'll experience a magical moment, in a place that's full of romance. If you're planning your weekend in winter, don't hesitate to take a ride on the Ferris Wheel. At 50 meters high, it offers a romantic view of the city.
Finally, treat yourself to a romantic meal in a romantic restaurant. There are plenty of them in Lille, including Aromebase and Bacio Divino, to name but a few.
What to do on a family weekend in Lille?
Travelling with children? You'll have to adapt your program a little! Lille Zoo is the perfect place for a family day out. They can then play in the playgrounds of the Parc de la Citadelle, with its vast green spaces for picnics and games. Want to add a little culture to the mix? The Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle offers child-friendly interactive exhibits on fauna, flora and evolution. The section on dinosaurs is sure to make little ones happy! We also invite you to visit the Jardin des Plantes, which will appeal to young and old alike.
What to do for free during a weekend in Lille?
Fancy visiting a big city, but you're on a tight budget? Don't panic, it's possible! Among the activities available free of charge, we can suggest the following:
- Visit Vieux-Lille: stroll the cobbled streets of Lille's historic district, admire the Flemish architecture, it won't cost you a thing.
- Discover the Grand-Place (Place du Général de Gaulle): a must!
- Relax in the Parc de la Citadelle: stroll through this large, green park while admiring the Citadelle - it's free!
- Visit a religious building: among them, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de la Treille and the Eglise Saint-Maurice are a must.
- Take a stroll along the Deûle, the river that runs through the city.
Lille offers many activities to enjoy a weekend without spending a lot of money. Make the most of it!
Located less than two hours from Paris, the city of Lille offers total immersion in the culture and history of northern France. Its architecture, museums, markets and authentic cuisine will keep you enthralled for two or three days, all in contact with absolutely adorable people! Visiting Lille in summer, spring or the cold season is always full of surprises.
