Lille walking tour & city guide
Flemish facades, cozy estaminets and a famous waffle shop.
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Lille, in the far north of France near the Belgian border, blends French and Flemish culture. Once the capital of Flanders' textile industry, it has a beautiful old town of ornate brick and stone facades, a lively student population and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
The Grand Place
The Grand Place, officially Place du Général de Gaulle, is the heart of Lille, surrounded by elaborately decorated buildings and anchored by a column topped with a goddess statue. Next to it, the Vieille Bourse, the Old Stock Exchange built in the 17th century in Flemish Renaissance style, has a charming inner courtyard where booksellers and chess players gather.
The neighboring Place du Théâtre is dominated by the Opera House and the belfry of the Chamber of Commerce.
Vieux-Lille
Vieux-Lille, the old town, is a maze of cobbled streets lined with 17th and 18th-century brick houses, upscale boutiques and small restaurants. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral has an unusual modern facade, and the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle is a museum.
The Palais des Beaux-Arts is one of the largest art museums in France, after the Louvre. Every September, the Braderie de Lille, one of Europe's biggest flea markets, fills the whole city for a weekend.
Visiting tips
Lille is just one hour from Paris and about 35 minutes from Brussels by high-speed train, and it is the first stop in France for the Eurostar from London, making it a perfect weekend destination. Sunday mornings are best spent at the huge Wazemmes market.
Top sights in Lille
- 1
Grand Place
The ornate main square at the heart of the city.
- 2
Vieille Bourse
A Flemish Renaissance courtyard with booksellers.
- 3
Vieux-Lille
Cobbled old town streets and boutiques.
- 4
Palais des Beaux-Arts
One of France's largest art museums.
- 5
Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille
A cathedral with a striking modern facade.
- 6
Lille Citadel
A star-shaped Vauban fortress surrounded by parkland.
Food markets & where to eat in Lille
Vieux-Lille pastry shops
Bakeries selling Lille's famous filled waffles.
Estaminets
Cozy Flemish taverns serving local dishes and beer.
Wazemmes market
A huge Sunday market with food stalls.
Vieux-Lille restaurants
Bistros on the old town's cobbled streets.
Food to try in Lille
Welsh
Bread, ham and beer topped with melted cheddar.
Carbonade flamande
Beef slow-cooked in beer.
Lille waffle
A thin waffle filled with vanilla cream.
Potjevleesch
A cold terrine of several meats in jelly.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Lille
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in LilleCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Lille.
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