Perhaps you are planning your next European getaway and wanting to explore different countries utilizing the amazing train system available throughout Europe. If so, a visit to Lille France might be the ideal addition to your itinerary. Lille is located in Northern France near the border to Belgium. This location lends itself to an itinerary that may include destinations such as England, Belgium, or even the Netherlands all utilizing the Eurostar train system. So, if you are wondering, is Lille France worth visiting? I believe that the answer is yes. Read below to learn more about Lille and how you can incorporate it into your European travel.
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Transportation
The Eurostar train provides a well connected network of many European cities. For me personally, I took the train from London to Lille before heading to Bruges. This itinerary easily fits into a one week time frame allowing you to explore many areas without a lengthy travel time between cities. The travel time from London St. Pancras station to Lille Europe is just under 1 hour and 30 minutes. This station in Lille is in close proximity to the city centre, and I was able to walk from the station to my hotel. There are two train stations in Lille with the other being Lille Flandres. This is something to keep in mind when booking train tickets. I have used many platforms for booking but, most recently, I have used Omio to book train tickets. You can explore your options utilizing Omio here.
If you don’t want to utilize train travel, you can use other services such as daytrip to travel between cities with a private driver. I have used this service throughout Europe including Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Belgium, and also England. This service allows you to book a private English speaking driver with pickup and drop off at the location of your choice. All of the drivers have been punctual and kind. The cars have been clean and well maintained. You can even add the option of car seats if traveling with children.
Dependent upon the number of people traveling and your luggage needs the price can change. You will be able to see this in real time as you book. I found the lowest prices when traveling in the Czech Republic and the highest in England. Another great option with daytrip is the ability to add sites along the way. The price is typically set unless you want to add additional time at the stop. Some examples include a stop in Ghent when traveling between Lille and Bruges. There are suggestions listed during the booking process with photos and a short description. I loved the option to add stops and have visited some beautiful castles while riding between cities.
You can explore you options and prices with daytrip by clicking here.
Where to Stay
1. Clarance Hotel. This Relais and Chateaux property is a former private residence constructed in 1736. Many elements are classic with bold flares including some lovely, modern art pieces. There are a total of 27 rooms each with their own unique touches. Like many Relais and Chateaux properties, there is a fabulous restaurant on property “La table”. I learned quickly when trying to reserve my table that the restaurant is not open on Mondays. This is a great option for your stay in Lille that places you within walking distance of many of the major sights and attractions. You can book your room by clicking here.
2. L’Hermitage Gantois, Autograph Collection. This Marriott property also offers a luxurious experience at very reasonable prices. This hotel dates back even further than the Clarance Hotel to 1462 serving as a hospice for many years. It is now entirely restored and offers a 5 star experience for guests. Many of the rooms have wood paneling and are a mix of traditional decor with some contemporary accents. Book your stay by clicking here.
Things to Do
There are many special experiences that are enjoyable to partake in while visiting Lille. Below is a small collection of things that you will want to consider adding to your list during your time in Lille.
Wander the cobblestone streets of old town. Immerse yourself in history by wandering the old town of Lille, also known as Vieux-Lille, a charming place to explore on foot. The cobbled streets can be a little more challenging with a stroller or suitcases, but the passageways and beautiful scenery with fewer crowds than that of Paris or other more popular cities is certainly very inviting. You can start from the Grand Place, the historic main square, and see where your feet take you.
Visit the French Pharmacy. Just because you are not in Paris does not mean that you should not make a stop at the French pharmacy. I went into two pharmacies in Lille. The first was the Grand Pharmacy des Halles. This option included all the major brands, and there was hardly anyone here. It was walkable from the old town. The second was next door to the clothing store, Essential Antwerp, Pharmacy de la Déesse. This pharmacy was very well stocked and busier. At the first stop, they did not have A313 (retinol) but this pharmacy had plenty. Some products are not stocked on the shelves, and you have to ask them to bring it from the back.
Wander by the Old Stock Exchange. The Old Stock Exchange building in Lille, the Vieille Bourse, is one of the landmarks in the city centre. It was built between 1652 and 1653 and such an ornate, beautiful centerpiece in the heart of Lille.
Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille. If you are a fan of the fine arts, this arts museum is one to explore in Lille. The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille opened in 1809 and has an attractive facade as you approach. I was surprised to find out it is one of the largest art museums in France, nicknamed the “Louvre of Lille”. Inside you will find work from Rembrandt, Goya, Raphael, and Tissot to name a few.
If you love more contemporary art, there is also the option to visit the LaM, Lille Métropole Musée d’art moderne housed in the midst of a green space and sculpture park.
Parc de la Citadelle. If you have just arrived into town, a relaxing way to start your trip is grabbing a beverage and snack and getting lost wandering in the park. There are many throughout the city, but the Parc de la Citadelle is within a 5 minute walk of the Clarance Hotel.
La Piscine Museum. This is a museum of art and industry located in the city of Roubaix about 20 minutes from Lille. In photographs you will see the building housing a swimming pool with an art deco decor and framed with bright stained glass windows. I did not make the trip to Roubaix, but if you purchase the city pass (mentioned below) it might be worth including this in your travels.
Hospice Comtesse. This is a 17th century hospice located in the old town of Lille now a museum that houses historical objects and art.
Charles de Gaulle birthplace. The Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle has been open to the public since 1983. It was closed for a major renovation but is accepting guests again. Charles de Gaulle was a frequenter of Méert listed below and had an affinity for their gaufres filled with Madagascar vanilla.
Enjoy some shopping. While shopping in Paris is hard to match, Lille offers a lot in terms of shopping. It houses many of the French staples such as Sezane, Sessun, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Soeur, and the list continues. It also has some very cute local and independent stores such as Cigoire, where I found some unique gifts and jewelry.
Another great way to discover the city of Lille is to purchase the Lille City Pass. It is available for purchase in 24, 48, and 72 Hour increments. Purchasing the pass does allow free access to public transport as well. Some of the sites included are the Palais des Beaux Arts, Hospice Comtesse museum, Charles de Gaulle birthplace, LaM museum, and the La Piscine Museum in Roubaix to name a few.
If you want a more local experience, visit a market in Lille. Here is a link to a guide on the 9 Best Markets in Lille to help you find what may be best suited for your desires.
Restaurants
Pâtisserie Méert. Everything about this iconic institution present since 1849 is done to perfection. From the visually beautiful cakes and candies to the packaging of their waffles and caramels, you will leave impressed. Their “gaufres” or waffles filled with Madagascar vanilla were the most impressive to me. After a couple of bites, the flavorful vanilla takes over and is really addictive. They have many flavors to choose from if vanilla isn’t your preference. Don’t skip this classic waffle along with some treats to take home. They will make a beautiful gift in more ways than one.
The French Bastards. If you are looking for the perfect breakfast or lunch, The French Bastards has you covered. Their pastries and cappuccino make the perfect breakfast combination or consider one of their many sandwiches for lunch. If you are looking for an easy place to stop and rest your feet while exploring, this is the spot.
Artchives. This restaurant deploys one of the more unique dining concepts that I have ever been a part of. Artchives is really an experience that is much more than just dinner. Your evening starts on the lowest floor with a cocktail or glass of wine from their bar. There are many seating areas surrounding the bar for you to choose from. After you finish your cocktail, take the stairs up to floor two where you will find yourself amongst a collection of art. Enjoy this art gallery before ascending the stairs once again to the third and final floor. Here you will find a well lit dining space with light accent colors. Your coursed meal will begin here after a few selections from the menu. There is the option to add wine pairings. This is certainly a one of a kind evening worth experiencing while in Lille.
Travel Itineraries that include Lille
There are many trips that could include Lille in the itinerary. Lille is situated in close proximity to the southern border of Belgium leaving all of the cities throughout this country a great addition to your travels. You can even travel between Lille and Amsterdam via high speed train in under three hours. Here are a few options that could range anywhere from 7 to 14 days.
Itinerary 1: London, Lille, Bruges. Travel time between cities is less than 1.5 hr for each trip and gives you the opportunity to see three countries in a short period of time.
Itinerary 2: Lille, Bruges, Ghent, Brussels. This itinerary allows you to explore Northern France and also include all of the highlights of Belgium.
Itinerary 3: London, Lille, Ghent, Antwerp, Rotterdam. Here is an extended itinerary that extends across four countries but still could easily be accomplished in 14 days or less.
Itinerary 4: Amsterdam, Lille, Brussels, Rotterdam. Dependent upon your country of origin, it may be easier to fly in and out of a larger city such as London or Amsterdam. Coming from the United States, I think that landing in Paris, London, or Amsterdam all allow for an itinerary that could include Lille.
In Summary
As I explored utilizing the robust network of trains that connect Europe, I came across the city of Lille. It may not be the top of your international destinations to visit. After asking myself many times, is Lille worth visiting, I decided to find out for myself. I found the answer to be yes. Not only is it a delightful city, but it is perfectly situated to include in an itinerary traveling through Europe. Whether you make Lille a day trip or stay for a few days, it will be a lovely addition to your travels. Some of my favorite things about Lille included the Clarance Hotel, wandering the beautiful streets of old town, and trying the gaufres at Pâtisserie Méert. Hopefully this helps to make your decision about whether to visit a little more clear.
