Lille

The capital of northern France with a strong Flemish flavour, offering a Baroque old town, the Palais des Beaux-Arts and Méert waffles, with La Piscine museum in Roubaix, the Louvre-Lens and First World War sites nearby.

Lille is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region and the prefecture of the Nord department, right next to the Belgian border. Historically part of Flanders, the city has a distinctly Flemish character. The main sights are all within walking distance: the Grand Place (Place du Général-de-Gaulle), the Vieille Bourse and the Opera form the city's living room; to the north are the red-brick, cobbled streets of Vieux-Lille and the Hospice Comtesse; to the south are the Palais des Beaux-Arts, the town hall belfry and the Porte de Paris; and to the west lie Vauban's Citadel and the Bois de Boulogne park. The metro reaches La Piscine museum in Roubaix, the LaM museum and the Villa Cavrois; around 40 minutes by train or car bring you to the Louvre-Lens, Arras and First World War sites such as Vimy Ridge, Notre-Dame-de-Lorette and Ypres in Belgium. The climate is mild and rainy, with spring and autumn the most pleasant seasons. The Braderie on the first weekend of September is Europe's largest flea market, and there is a Christmas market in December. The TGV from Paris Gare du Nord takes about 1 hour, and Eurostar runs direct from London and Brussels to Lille-Europe station. Allow 2 days for the city, plus 1–2 more for First World War sites or museums nearby. Most museums close on Monday or Tuesday, so plan accordingly. Don't miss Méert waffles, carbonade flamande and Maroilles cheese.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries