Hotels in arrondissement of Lille

Known as the Paris of the North, Lille shines with its unique light. Possessing the same air of splendor as the capital, it is also quite different despite being the biggest city in the Hauts-de-France region. You will find yourself walking cobblestone pathways to get to and from the city, but what greets you would be the smell of great coffee and food from relaxed cafes found in French and Flemish style buildings that only Lille can give.

How to Get There

Just 11 kilometres from the centre, Aéroport de Lille is your best bet to get to the city fastest. It caters to a variety of low-cost airlines locally and internationally. A shuttle bus service is also available outside the airport to take you to the city centre.

Getting Around

Similar to other European cities, most streets are small and have cobblestoned pavements in Lille. Noticeably, most people go around the city riding their bicycles. Travellers can also do so using V-Lille, the city’s bike-sharing scheme.

Tickets and passes are also available to be used on buses, the metro, and the tram. A Pass’ Journée (24-hours) and a Pass Soirée (Unlimited travel after 7 PM) are available for visitors. Meanwhile, taking the train will take you to a variety of convenient stops like Rihour. It is next to the tourist office and Gambetta near the Wazemmes food market.

Top Things to Do

Dubbed as the world’s design capital, Lille is a bustling creative city that hums with vibrant energy brought about by the local art scene and design agencies that are opening up in every corner. University students are also everywhere producing exhibitions and festivities throughout the year and catching it is always a must for every visitor.

A trip to the city would be jam-packed so a stop to the famous Palais Rihour is the best way to kick off exploring the city. It is an elaborate 1400s Gothic-style building located near the grand square of Général de Gaulle. The local tourist office is found here so you can purchase the city pass that lets you in the museums and attractions in the MEL (Métropole Européenne de Lille).

A short walk away is the old stock exchange building of Vieille Bourse. The building itself is an attraction because it is a great example of Flemish Renaissance architecture. It has been turned into an area where you can shop for one-of-a-kind finds such as used books, vinyl, and vintage posters. On the eastern side of the building would be the Chambre de Commerce that houses a 76 metre-high gilded clock tower that Lille is known for.

Meanwhile, you can head on over to the renowned Palais des Beaux-Arts after. It boasts the second-largest collection after Musée du Louvre. You will find works by famous artists such as Manet, Van Dyck, and Rubens in the museum. Porcelain and pottery work from local regions can also be found here as well as medieval trinkets and scale models of the cities in northern France and Belgium.

For a different experience, the La Piscine Musée d’Art et d’Industrie is an art deco municipal swimming pool that was built in 1932. The interior of the building is unique with displays of sculptures that are reflected in the pool’s surface. Fine arts and applied arts such as furniture, clothing, and textiles can also be found here. In Le Tripostal, you will find splashes of street murals and red-brick buildings that have come alive with the recent art scene. Exhibitions are all over this area and it features young, upcoming ones in the scene.

A trip to France is also incomplete without shopping. In Lille, shopping will be able to fill your day because of all the local and high-end shops that you will find while strolling around the city. Seeing that the city is a major creative hub, many locals have cultivated their homegrown brand. The shop called Habitat will be a place to find cute and unique items to decorate your home. Stores like Les Cousins de Léon and Maisons de Monde will also be a great place if you want something unique in your home. Local brands Au Bonheur de Sophie and Love Stories Archive will also be the best spot to find locally made clothing.

What to Eat

Eating is a lovely affair in Lille. The Marché de Wazemmes near Général de Gaulle is a family-friendly quarter known for its ethnically diverse population. As follows, it is a melting pot of different cuisines that have turned this place into Lille’s favorite food market. Rue des Sarrazins and rue Jules Guesde are filled with restaurants and bakeries that are owned by its residents.

In rue de Gand, you will find the Le Bistrot Lillois which is a good spot for local specialty dishes like carbonade flamande. The Le Barbier qui Fume is another restaurant that would stop you in your tracks. The restaurant’s smoked meat will catch your attention since they do it onsite using beechwood. They specialize in premium meats and poultry.

Meanwhile, Le Clair de Lune is known for its duck carpaccio that is drizzled in gingerbread vinaigrette. It has been awarded the Maître Restaurateur that recognises a restaurant for its local produce and homemade cooking. The restaurant also boasts a 50 item wine list that is available by the glass. For those with a sweet tooth, Meert is a good stop for gaufres (waffles) and other kinds of sweets. They also have an extensive salon de thé where you can get afternoon tea. Crêperies Beaurepaire is also a must for fans of the local French dessert favorite. What sets it aside is you can have a sweet and savory option in this restaurant.

Where to Stay

Lille has a lot of layers that would need a lot of time to uncover so finding the best spot to stay in is important. In the neighbourhood of Vieux Lille, you will find yourself in the middle of trendy local shops and restaurants. If you are a foodie and if this is your first time in Lille, make sure to book a spot here. Gare Saint Sauveur is an ideal spot for groups because of all the film screening and exhibitions happening all over the area. Being the cultural centre, you will never run out of things to do even with family.

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