Lille is my hometown, so I’ll never be completely unbiased when talking about it. However, having lived in other places, I often get asked what there is to see in Lille. Is it really worth visiting ? Isn’t it just rain and grey skies ? To answer that question, let me share all the reasons why you should visit Lille !
- Convenient Location
- Atmosphere & Hospiltality
- Flemish Architecture
- Unique Local Foods
- European Capital of Culture
- Place of History
Convenient Location :
Lille is a major hub for accessing nearby European cities. It’s just an hour from Paris, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway. The city is also on the train route to London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, so if you’re passing through, you can easily spend a night exploring Lille. Plus, with its own airport, the city is well-connected for travelers coming from other parts of Europe.
Another advantage is its proximity to the northern coast of France. If you’re craving some fresh sea air, you’re only an hour away from Dunkirk or the beautiful ‘Côte d’Opale’.
Atmosphere & Hospitality
Despite its famously rainy and grey weather, Lille’s atmosphere is warm and cozy. No matter the weather, you’ll always see Lillois (people living in Lille) walking around the city center, shopping on a Saturday afternoon. At night, the city comes alive with its many bars, where you can enjoy a wide variety of beers (local or not) and snack on some French fries. Since Lille is also a student city, you’ll rarely find the streets empty at night—many students can be seen partying and enjoying themselves.
There are two things all French people seem to agree on when it comes to Lille: the weather and the hospitality of the Lillois. In contrast to Parisians, Lillois are known for their friendliness and welcoming nature
Flemish Architecture
Lille’s architecture stands out from that of other French cities. The most famous style in the city is traditional Flemish architecture, which is especially noticeable in the Grand Place (Main Square) in the city center. This square represents the heart of the city, as is the case in all Flemish-style cities you may visit.
The most famous Flemish-style building in Lille is La Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange). Built in 1652, its facade is painted in yellow and red, adorned with intricate sculpted details. You can step inside to admire more of its distinctive architecture. There are often small vendors selling old posters and books, so you can enjoy a nostalgic browsing experience !
Another important aspect of Flemish architecture is the beffroi (belfry). Almost all Flemish cities have one, and Lille actually has two! One is next to the Opéra, and the other is beside the Town Hall. Both feature unique architecture that can be admired from miles away.
You can visit the Town Hall belfry at specific times, so be sure to check the schedule if you’re interested. As for the Opéra belfry, it isn’t open to visitors, but you can hear its distinctive chime every day at noon, playing the traditional song P’tit Quinquin.
Unique local foods :
Lille’s gastronomy is quite different from the famous dishes found in other parts of France. Influenced by the city’s Flemish history, its traditional cuisine offers a unique blend of flavors. So, even if you’ve already tried many French dishes, there are still plenty of new specialties to discover! Here are some must-try dishes for your visit to Lille :
Welsh :
A Welsh is a dish made primarily with cheddar cheese. A slice of bread is topped with a bit of mustard and ham (though some restaurants offer a vegetarian version), then covered in a thick layer of cheddar cheese melted with beer. It’s served with a side of French fries—perfect for dipping into the gooey cheese! It might sound a bit heavy (and sometimes it is), but it’s my absolute favorite !
Carbonnade Flamande :
This dish is a type of beef stew, slow-cooked in beer and gingerbread, which gives the meat a tender texture and rich flavor. Like the Welsh, it’s usually served with French fries—perfect for dipping into the delicious sauce
Moules Marinière :
Since Lille is not far from the sea, the city has a great supply of fresh fish and seafood. As a result, eating mussels is a local tradition. During Lille’s biggest annual event, the Braderie (a famous flea market), everyone enjoys mussels, and restaurants even compete to build the tallest pile of empty shells !
The most popular way to eat them is moules marinière. The mussels are cooked in white wine, shallots, and parsley, creating a rich and flavorful dish. And, of course, they’re always served with French fries !
Waffles from Méert :
The Méert shop is an iconic spot in Lille’s old town. Dating back to the 19th century, its stunning architecture makes it a must-visit. Méert is a renowned confectioner, offering chocolates, tea, cakes, and—most famously—its delicious waffles ! These are a brioche-style pastry filled with Madagascar vanilla paste, creating a perfectly sweet and indulgent treat. I’ve had them many times, and they are absolutely amazing—I highly recommend trying them!
The shop also features a tea room and a restaurant, so you can sit down and enjoy their treats right on-site.
European Capital of Culture
Lille was named the European Capital of Culture in 2004. I was too young to notice it at the time, but as I grew up, I was always surrounded by exhibitions, museums, and cultural events.
In the city center, you’ll find many fascinating cultural spaces. For instance, the Palais des Beaux-Arts, built in 1792, houses a remarkable collection of antiques and more contemporary artworks. Its collection is quite large, so take your time to enjoy everything it has to offer !
If you’re more interested in live performances, head toward the Grand Place, where you’ll find the Théâtre du Nord and the Opéra. Both regularly host plays, ballets, and other performances, adding to Lille’s vibrant cultural scene.
Lille’s cultural influence extends beyond the city itself, with incredible museums in the surrounding areas. My personal favorite is La Piscine in Roubaix—an old swimming pool transformed into a museum, featuring a stunning stained glass roof. As you explore the art collections, you can also soak in the unique atmosphere of the place—it’s truly amazing !
Another interesting place for you to visit is the LaM museum in Villeneuve d’Ascq. LaM is a modern art museum that hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, so be sure to check out their latest exhibit before you go ! The museum’s architecture is also fascinating, so you can take some time to explore and enjoy the outdoor space as well.
Place of history
Because of its strategic position, Lille has been at the heart of military tactics throughout the ages. The Citadelle, built in 1668 to celebrate Louis XIV’s victory in the region, played a crucial role in defending Paris from nearby enemies and proved especially useful in the 18th century.
Today, the Citadelle is surrounded by a park and remains closed to the public, as there is still some military presence at its center. However, you can still admire its massive walls and grand gates, which serve as a reminder of its historic significance.
Lille’s Citadelle is not the only testament to the city’s military past. The North of France was also profoundly shaped by the many battles of the First and Second World Wars. While most cemeteries and memorials from this period are located outside the city, Lille itself holds an important historical site: the House of Charles de Gaulle.
This museum offers insight into the childhood of Charles de Gaulle, tracing his early years and the path that led him to become a key figure in World War II and later, the President of France. Through personal artifacts and historical exhibits, visitors can discover how his upbringing in Lille influenced his leadership and vision for the country.
Now that you know why you should visit Lille and want to know more about other french cities, check out my article on Bordeaux !
