As a Belgian living in London, I often take the Eurostar from St. Pancras to Bruxelles-Midi and each time my train makes a quick stop at Lille. I never put much thought to this city, until most recently when my friends, who still mostly live in Belgium, and I were looking for a destination to spend a girls week end away.
Our main driver to visit Lille was it's convenient location in Northern France and it's accessibility by Eurostar and local trains from Belgium. Before my trip, I was not really expecting to be impressed by Lille, but oh boy was I wrong! With its blend of historic charm, vibrant culture, and culinary delights, Lille offers the perfect recipe for an unforgettable weekend getaway.
History
Lille's history traces back to its origins as a Roman settlement known as "L'Isle," strategically located on an island formed by the Deûle River. The Romans recognized its military importance and established fortifications here.
During the Middle Ages, Lille prospered as part of the County of Flanders. Flourishing trade routes fuelled economic growth and a thriving textile industry. The city gained a charter in the 12th century, setting the stage for its rise as a commercial and cultural centre. Lille changed hands, becoming part of the Spanish Netherlands during the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1667, King Louis XIV of France captured the city during the War of Devolution. The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1668 confirmed its status as French territory.
The 19th century brought the Industrial Revolution, propelling Lille's textile industry and spurring urbanization. Universities and cultural institutions emerged, enhancing the city's intellectual and artistic landscape. Lille faced adversity in the 20th century through two World Wars. Despite wartime devastation, the city rebuilt itself, preserving its architectural heritage and tenacity.
Today, Lille thrives as a cosmopolitan city, reflecting its historical diversity and modernity. Its international proximity contributes to its rich cultural scene, universities, and culinary excellence. Lille's history highlights its ability to adapt, transforming from a Roman outpost into a captivating urban centre. With a blend of historical significance and contemporary allure, Lille stands as a testament to resilience and evolution.
Highlights
Here are some of the top attractions and experiences that make Lille a must-visit destination:
Grand Place - The heart of Lille, La Grand Place is a bustling square surrounded by magnificent Flemish architecture. It's the perfect place to soak in the city's atmosphere, enjoy outdoor cafes, and marvel at the stunning facades.
La Vieille Bourse - The Old Stock Exchange in Lille, dating from 1652, is a magnificent and historic building that holds several intriguing features and attractions for visitors to explore. The exterior of La Vieille Bourse is a sight to behold in itself. The building's architecture reflects a harmonious blend of Flemish and Italian influences, featuring intricate carvings, ornate columns, and detailed facades. One of the most notable features of La Vieille Bourse is its role as a hub for book lovers. On most days, you'll find an open-air book market in the courtyard, where secondhand book dealers offer an eclectic selection of books, prints, and antique manuscripts.
Old Town - Lille's charming Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming boutiques. Stroll through this medieval district to discover hidden gems, like the stunning Palais Rihour and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de la Treille.
Palais des Beaux-Arts - This impressive museum houses a diverse collection of art and is considered one of the most important art museums in France, featuring works by renowned artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Delacroix. It's a paradise for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Wazemmes Market - This vibrant market offers a sensory feast of fresh produce, local specialties, vintage finds, and crafts. It's a perfect spot to experience Lille's local culture and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs.
Citadelle de Lille - This well-preserved citadel is a testament to Lille's historical fortifications. It's a great place to enjoy a leisurely walk or picnic in the lush green surroundings. The citadel itself is out of limits for general population, still being a military base.
La Piscine - La Piscine in Roubaix is a captivating museum set in a renovated Art Deco swimming pool. It features an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century fine and decorative arts, including works by Rodin and Giacometti. The museum's architecture and exhibitions offer a unique cultural experience. To reach the museum, take metro line 2 to Eurotéléport station, then walk to La Piscine.
Where to eat & drink
Lille's culinary scene is deeply rooted in its history, with influences from both French and Flemish cuisines. Here are a few of the places I will go back to:
La Luck is a trendy and cozy board game café and restaurant in Lille, known for its welcoming atmosphere. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a cup of coffee, a light snack or poutine with a little twist. (link to website)
Paddo is a vibrant brunch café in Lille, often frequented by a young crowd. It offers a lively ambiance, great music, and a wide range of drinks, making it a popular choice for a night out with friends. Make sure to go on time, as they do not take reservations. (link to website)
Bierbuik is a unique gastropub in Lille that focuses on offering a diverse selection of craft beers. The name translates to "Beer Belly" in English, reflecting the establishment's dedication to providing a variety of high-quality brews to satisfy beer enthusiasts. (link to website)
Bloempot, which translates to "Flowerpot," is a renowned restaurant in Lille. It's known for its creative and contemporary take on traditional French cuisine. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with dishes that combine classic flavors with a modern twist. (link to website)
La Capsule is a beloved craft beer bar in Lille, highly regarded for its extensive selection of local and international craft beers. It's a go-to destination for beer connoisseurs looking to explore a wide range of unique and flavorful brews. (link to website)
Fancy something sweet? Make sure to make a stop at Patisserie Méert. Méert's pastries and confections are meticulously handcrafted, showcasing a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and artistry. The shop's refined interior transports visitors to a bygone era, with its ornate décor and vintage charm. A visit to Patisserie Méert is a sensory journey, offering a taste of Lille's gastronomic legacy through delectable creations that stand the test of time. (link to website)
Where to stay
Lille offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets:
Clarance Hôtel, belonging to the Relais & Châteaux group, is a luxury boutique hotel known for its elegance, historic charm, and exceptional service. The Clarance Hotel is housed in a beautiful 18th-century mansion, offering guests a chance to experience a blend of historic architecture and modern comforts. Being situated in the heart of Lille, this hotel offers convenient access to many of the city's attractions, shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot. (link to website)
L’Hermitage Gantois is located in a converted, historic building: what was once a 15th-century hospice is now Lille's premier five-star retreat. The façade boasts a spectacular stained glass window that gleams with history. Inside, the echoes of time persist, with an original hospice room preserved in all its antiquated glory, and a magnificent 17th-century chapel that exudes timeless grandeur. (link to website)
Getting around
Lille is a relatively compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking can be a pleasant way to experience the city's architecture, culture, and local atmosphere.
Lille has an extensive public transportation network, which includes buses, trams and two metro lines. The metro system is efficient and covers key areas of the city. A single tickets costs €1.80 and you can find out more about other ticket options here.
Lille is also a bike-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs. With V'Lille you can rent bicycles for short periods from various docking stations across the city which will help you get around quickly.
I hope you will be just as amazed by this charming little city as I was! Have you ever explored the streets of Lille? Share your favorite discoveries in the comments below!
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