Lille Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Published by: BouncePosted
Autumn Street in Lille, France

The French city of Lille is located right near the country’s border with Belgium. With Flemish influences and a well-preserved historic center, the destination offers charm that will have you feeling at home from the moment you arrive. The city is known for being a cultural hub and it is also a thriving university town. While it may not have the iconic status of Paris or other French regions, Lille is well worth a visit. It has all the good food, boutique shopping, and cobble-stone streets one would expect from a French destination, yet you won’t be battling intense crowds.

Lille, France

A weekend in Lille

Located only two and a half hours from Paris, Lille makes an excellent destination for a weekend getaway. With an interesting history, delectable foods, and impressive architecture, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in French culture as you wander the streets of the university city and its Old Town.

We recommend you pack your itinerary full of fun things in order to make the most of every second of your short trip. You should also use a luggage storage locker in Lille if you get stuck with your bags due to a late check-in or early check-out. Nobody wants their bags holding them back.

If you’re wondering what are the must-see items for your Lille weekend itinerary, here are some ideas.

  • Palais des Beaux-Arts - France has no shortage of fine art and some of the best is on display in this museum. It was one of the first museums of its kind in France and remains one of the largest in the country today.
  • Place Charles de Gaulle - Soak up the atmosphere in this bustling public square. You can shop at the markets, grab a bite to eat, or simply enjoy the buzzing vibes.
  • Citadel of Lille - The Citadel of Lille has been exceptionally well-preserved. Tours are run at the pentagonal-shaped site once a month and can offer valuable insight into Lille’s history.

Lille Lockers

All travelers understand the inconvenience of managing luggage, especially if you are on a stopover or are faced with a frustrating check-in or check-out time. Luggage storage services in Lille cater to tourists to make sure your vacation is as hassle-free as possible. Simply drop your bags off, enjoy the beautiful city of Lille, and retrieve your bags when it suits you. It really is that simple!

A weekend in Lille

Located only two and a half hours from Paris, Lille makes an excellent destination for a weekend getaway. With an interesting history, delectable foods, and impressive architecture, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in French culture as you wander the streets of the university city and its Old Town.

We recommend you pack your itinerary full of fun things in order to make the most of every second of your short trip. You should also use a luggage storage locker in Lille if you get stuck with your bags due to a late check-in or early check-out. Nobody wants their bags holding them back.

If you’re wondering what are the must-see items for your Lille weekend itinerary, here are some ideas.

  • Palais des Beaux-Arts - France has no shortage of fine art and some of the best is on display in this museum. It was one of the first museums of its kind in France and remains one of the largest in the country today.
  • Place Charles de Gaulle - Soak up the atmosphere in this bustling public square. You can shop at the markets, grab a bite to eat, or simply enjoy the buzzing vibes.
  • Citadel of Lille - The Citadel of Lille has been exceptionally well-preserved. Tours are run at the pentagonal-shaped site once a month and can offer valuable insight into Lille’s history.
Lille, France

What to do alone in Lille

Fancy a little solo adventure? Or maybe you’re in town on a business trip and are wondering how you can fill your spare time? Either way, Lille is a fantastic destination if you are traveling on your own. From the bag storage in Lille for the times you don’t have anyone to watch your things to streets that are easy to navigate, the city makes for an enjoyable holiday as a solo traveler.

Here are some of the best things you can do in Lille alone.

  • La Vielle Bourse - This impressive building with intricate architecture was the home of the 17th Century stock exchange. It’s worth a visit just to see the ornate building for yourself.
  • Lille Zoo - With a diverse collection of animals ranging from gibbons to boa constrictors, Lille Zoo should be on every animal lovers list.
  • Notre Dame de la Treille - The exterior of this cathedral is beautiful and attracts tourists on its own, but the art held within is even more impressive. 

The best souvenirs in Lille

If you’re looking for some gifts for loved ones or a little token to remember your trip, you’re probably wondering where to shop. Lille has a diverse range of options when it comes to gifts and memorabilia.

The gift shop at the tourism office has many products from typical Lille souvenirs to artisan products. For something a little quirkier, head to Souvenirs Lille near Grande Place. They sell many products that display the northern French humor. The gift shop at Palais de Beaux-Arts is great for jewelry or beautiful stationery, while Meert is a pastry shop that has great sweet treats. 

Newsletter Banner

Love discounts and traveling?

Sign up for our newsletter to get insider travel tips and a 10% discount delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam here, just the good stuff.

Get the
Bounce app

Instantly find locations nearby to drop off your luggage wherever you go.

Download