Lille 6 Day Itinerary

Lille 6-Day Itinerary: A Comprehensive Guide

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City Centre

  • Arrival: Lille Europe Train Station is the main hub, well-connected with high-speed trains from major cities like Paris and Brussels. Alternatively, Lesquin Airport (LIL) serves some European destinations.

  • Hotel Check-in: Consider staying at Hotel Carlton Lille or Hotel My Lady Lille, centrally located and offering comfortable accommodations.

  • Afternoon: Start your adventure with a visit to the Grand Place (Place du Général-de-Gaulle), the heart of Lille. Admire the Town Hall, the Old Stock Exchange, and the Palace of Fine Arts.

  • Evening: Dine at Le Comptoir de l’Academie, a renowned brasserie with traditional Flemish dishes.

Day 2: Art & History

  • Morning: Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of the oldest and largest art museums in France, housing works by artists like Rubens, Brueghel, and Monet.

  • Afternoon: Explore Palais Rihour, a medieval castle with beautiful gardens. Nearby, you’ll find Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange), an iconic Lille landmark.

  • Evening: Have dinner at La Malterie, known for its innovative and tasty dishes using local ingredients.

Day 3: Green Spaces & Modern Art

  • Morning: Jump on the Metro to Cité Scientifique, a unique blend of science, culture, and leisure. Visit the planetarium and explore the various museums.

  • Afternoon: Head to Parc de la Pépinière for a relaxing stroll amidst beautiful greenery. Don’t miss the Modern Art Museum (Palais des Beaux-Arts).

  • Evening: Dine at La Bergère de Jeumont, a popular restaurant known for its delicious Flemish dishes.

Day 4: Day Trip to Flanders Fields

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Ypres (Ieper), Belgium, just an hour away by train. Visit the Menin Gate Memorial and learn about WWI history at In Flanders Fields Museum.

  • Afternoon: Return to Lille and enjoy a quiet evening exploring Rue des Bouchers, a charming street lined with restaurants.

Day 5: Shopping & Nightlife

  • Daytime: Discover the trendy shops in Euralille, the modern district with a unique architecture. Don’t forget to visit the Centaurium shopping center.

  • Evening: Experience Lille’s vibrant nightlife. Start at La Péniche or Le Wagnon for drinks, then head to Le Café des Fous for an unforgettable evening.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend your last hours in Lille shopping for souvenirs or revisiting favorite spots. If time allows, explore the vibrant neighborhood of Wiener Quarter.

  • Departure: Catch your train or flight home with cherished memories of beautiful Lille.

Tips:

  • Use the “Lille City Pass” for free access to many attractions and discounts on transportation and dining.
  • The city is easily explored on foot, but consider using the efficient metro system for longer journeys.
  • English is widely spoken in Lille, but a few French phrases go a long way!
  • Enjoy the local Flemish cuisine and don’t forget to try mussels and waffles.