Even in major sights such as the Palais des Beaux-Arts, you’ll find unexpected treasures such as Olga in a Fur Collar, in which you can perceive elements of a Cubist work Picasso previously painted on this canvas before recycling it.
Afternoon tea is best at Meert in the old town, tasting one of their creamy filled waffles. Its iconic and evocative facade a favorite for photographers. As evening falls, the Grand Place will start to fill with people enjoying their aperitif. Try on of the local beers before heading to an Estaminet (traditional brasserie) for a meal. The nightlife is renowned in Lille, so settle in for the night. Try bars the Atomic Rabbit for its gin cocktails or L’Alchimiste.
"Fantastic shopping in Lille includes retro boutiques Nostalgie, La Mère Veille, Vintage Store and Funny Vintage, and the cosmopolitan Wazemmes Market."
Other unmissable sights are the town hall belfry with its 360° views, the Palais Rihour – Gothic remains of the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy – and the old stock market. The Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse has displays on Flemish life, while the contemporary Cathédrale de la Treille with its marble facade is best appreciated from a welcoming cafe terrace. And don’t overlook the charming painted houses behind the cathedral, or, on Rue de la Monnaie, the freestanding red-brick facade dating from a 13th-century watermill. Not far away, the Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle on Rue Princesse traces the life of the former French president.
If you venture beyond the old town, the Jardin des Géants offers a green escape against the cityscape of the business district, while south of the city, Courée Vilain is the sole survivor of Lille’s ancient courtyards, comprising a mansion and 11 workers’ houses.
Practical Information
Practical Information
Curious art spaces are hidden around every corner
© Alphand
The cosmopolitan Wazemmes market
© Nord Tourisme
Meander the laneways and discover a city rich in heritage and unique architecture
© X. Renoux