Loving Lille: How a City in the North of France Stole My Heart

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Lille. I’d long wanted a relaxing weekend getaway in France, and I began to research places that I could get to from London.

When reviewing destinations on Eurostar, Lille stood out, and the booking was made. I was not disappointed by what I found!

This northern French instantly delighted me. Compact and walkable, I headed from Lille Europe station into the city center, which took about fifteen minutes.

I became charmed along the way by the cobblestone streets and stunning architecture as it all unfolded in front of me.

Lille is both historical (dating back to the 11th century) and modern at the same time, as part of French Flanders, many Flemish influences remain and can be seen in the architecture, so take your time and look at these structures as you go.

What To See And Do in Lille

High on the list of places I wanted to visit was the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de la Treille. This is a tale of two churches; the first stone was laid in 1854, and construction lasted 145 years.

Its current façade was inaugurated in 1999. It appears half-ancient and half-modern and fully beautiful.

I was awed by both the old and new stained-glass windows, the modern art installations contrast nicely with the older sections and numerous small chapels. The Cathedral was built on Lille’s ancient feudal mound.

Today’s visitors can admire both the old and new, the surrounding gardens, the bell tower, and the gift shop in the crypt, which features merchandise and food created locally.

This is a great starting point for walking the area known as Vieux-Lille (Old Lille).

If you want to see more of Vieux-Lille without rushing, a private walking tour with a local can be a good way to get your bearings. The route and pace are flexible, and it’s an easy way to pick up context, history, and local insight as you explore the neighborhood.

Book this private walking tour here

Exploring Vieux-Lille

Vieux-Lille (Old Lille) is a short walk from the city center and is a must-see area. Its cobbled streets, small boutiques, and lovely buildings make this a most picturesque district.

Step inside the shops and treat yourself to something hyper-local or the latest fashion.

Place du Général de Gaulle (also known as Grand Place) is the heartbeat of the city. Home to colorful facades, a striking fountain, and numerous shops and eateries, it’s here that visitors and locals alike gather.

Speaking of Charles de Gaulle, you can also visit the birthplace of the well-known French president.

De Gaulle was born at 9 rue Princesse in Lille, in the home of his maternal grandparents on November 22, 1890. This home remained the gathering point of his family for decades.

In 2020, the home underwent major renovations. It’s restored very much like you de Gaulle would have known it, and a great example of a bourgeois home during the Belle Époque.

Stop (and shop) in the Bourse. The stunning old stock exchange building (the Bourse) is often referred to as the city’s most beautiful building, and it’s easy to see why.

Located at the Grand Place, its courtyard is home to bookshops and tango demonstrations on Sunday summer evenings.

As with much of Lille, make sure you look up and take in the magnificently adorned pilasters, windows, and pediments. This is Flemish Renaissance at its finest and dates to 1652.

The Citadelle And Beyond

The Citadelle is another Lille jewel. Built by order of Louis XIV in 1667, it is the masterpiece of Sébastien Leprestre. It has been a listed historic monument since 2012.

Today, this stunning building is still used for military purposes, and it houses the Rapid Reaction Corps – France (CRR-Fr), comprised of 450 soldiers from 14 allied nations.

The park surrounding the Citadelle is lovely and popular with walkers and bikers.

Normally, you cannot enter the gates of the “queen of the citadels”, but by communicating in advance with the Lille Tourist Office, they can accompany you for rare access to this historic site.

Elsewhere in Lille, you will find multiple museums, monuments, and even a zoo.

Sweets And Shopping In Lille

You won’t leave hungry (or empty-handed). While there are many traditional comfort foods in the Flanders region, including thick stews, as well as fromageries and beer (we are on the edge of Belgium after all), I let my sweet tooth take the lead and indulged by visiting two long-established businesses.

PAUL may be on your radar and is a well-known boulangerie. Founded in Lille in 1889, this chain has baked goods that taste anything but mass-produced.

With several locations around the city, I enjoyed a croissant for breakfast (that were just as yummy as I’d hoped) and a delicious sandwich for a light dinner.

Maison Méert, founded in 1677, is one of the oldest patisseries and confectioneries in France. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit and sample some goodies. Cakes, chocolate, teas, jams, ice cream—they have you covered.

A popular choice is the La gaufre Méert, an icon since 1849, which is a brioche-style pastry filled with Madagascar vanilla cream. This can be your indulgent reward for all the walking you’ll gladly do exploring Lille. Grab something to go or visit their tearoom.

Jewelry stores (diamonds are everyone’s best friend here), multiple clothing stores, and the French luxury shop Printemps have a location in Lille.

Book lovers will find many places to peruse, and foodies can find treats to take home.

Westfield Euralille shopping mall is located between the Lille-Flandres and Lille-Europe railway stations and has major clothing brands, home décor, cosmetics, and more, plus eateries.

Getting Around Lille

Lille is a walkable city, and there are many tours you can take to learn more, including gourmet walks, themed evenings, Segway tours, and you can opt to enjoy the city by riding in a classic 2CV car, seeing the streets and monuments that are not to be missed.

The tourism office can help you arrange tours and is also a great first stop on your visit to Lille. Their staff can provide maps and information, and they have a gift shop selling local wares.

Visit their office daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Palais Rihour, Place Rihour (near Grand Place).

I was so happy I chose to visit Lille, from the minute I left the train station until I returned to catch a train to my next destination, I was in love. I still am.

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Author Bio: Mary Casey-Sturk is an Editor and Writer for Living Magazines (Kentucky) as well as a contributor to Smoky Mountain Living Magazine (North Carolina). Mary is also a content developer, freelance travel, food, wine and features writer and the author of “Eating Cheese Curds With Strangers”.

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