Just a stone’s throw from the Dutch border lies the beautiful city of Lille. The attractions in Lille earned the city the title of Cultural Capital in 2004. The center feels like a typical Belgian city. In the middle, you have a central square surrounded by all the characteristic warehouses. In the small streets, you can find authentic chocolatiers and typical French fry stands. But make no mistake, it is still French territory! The locals speak little to no Dutch or Flemish and enjoy their French bourgeois lifestyle. This makes a city trip to Lille the perfect choice if you’re looking for culture close to home!
What are the main attractions in Lille?
- The old town with the famous Place du Général-de-Gaulle;
- The Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral in the old city area;
- The rival of the Louvre: Palais des Beaux-Arts;
- Discover the Citadel of Lille in the beautiful city park;
- Spend a day shopping in Euralille.
The old town
As mentioned earlier, Lille feels like a Belgian city due to the many warehouses and Flemish characteristics you can find in the Lille attractions. The old center reflects this well, making it a delight to stroll through. Start at the central square, Place du Général-de-Gaulle. Here you can find cozy terraces and typical Flemish warehouses.
On the corner, you can also find the old stock exchange building, considered one of the most beautiful buildings on the square. Nowadays, a book market takes place in the courtyard every afternoon from 2:00 PM. Then follow the small streets and wander past the authentic boutiques, museums, galleries, restaurants, and cafes in the Vieux district. Stop occasionally at charming terraces and take your time for a nice French wine, for example, at the square Placeaux Oignons.
Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral
If you continue through the old city center, you can find more stunning attractions in Lille, such as the prominent neo-Gothic cathedral located in the heart of the city center. It’s a remarkable sight among the narrow authentic streets and certainly not to be missed as you walk by.
Particularly striking is the marble facade. This dates back to 1999 and was designed by Peter Rice, the architect of Sydney’s Opera House and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. The marble facade allows for a beautiful light effect inside the cathedral, so be sure to take a look inside. In the evening, this unique facade is also spectacular from the outside, thanks to a light that shines from inside out, beautifully illuminating the facade.
Palais des Beaux-Arts
The Palais des Beaux-Arts is one of the most impressive attractions. Lille is known as the little sister of Paris, and this also applies to the museums they offer. The Palais des Beaux-Arts means: the Museum of Fine Arts. Among the locals, this museum is even considered better than the Louvre. The Palais des Beaux-Arts is especially known for its vast collection and high quality. There’s so much to see in this museum that it would take you days to see everything. You can find works by Rubens, Goya, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, among others. The museum is open almost daily, and an entrance ticket costs €7. See here for more information.
Citadel of Lille
Looking for peace? Then visit the Citadel of Lille, one of the attractions in Lille where you can unwind. The citadel is located in the city park, just outside the city center, but still within walking distance of the city’s highlights. The citadel was built in the 17th century after the city was conquered by the French under Louis XIV. Today, the citadel functions as a military barracks. You can only visit it with a guide in the summer. However, you can admire it from the outside by taking a walk in the beautiful city park.
For more sightseeing info in Lille, check BabyBreaks. They offer handy tips for the whole family. For tips on accommodation and restaurants in the rest of Europe, click here.
Euralille
For those who have already seen the attractions in Lille and are looking for a day of shopping, the best place to do this is in the covered shopping center Euralille. The building was designed by Rem Koolhaas and opened its doors for the first time in 1994. In this gigantic shopping center, you can find hundreds of shops and restaurants you need for a day of shopping. Conveniently, the TGV train station is not far from here. See here for more information about the shopping center.
Cycling in Lille
Your city trip will be unforgettable with these fun Lille attractions. Prefer to see the hotspots with a Dutch guide? Then book the Lille Bike Tour: the Highlights now! In just a few hours, a local guide will show you all the city’s highlights. We recommend planning the bike tour at the beginning of your trip so you can use all the great tips the guide will give you for the rest of your stay. A bike tour is the perfect way to explore the city and stay active.
Tip: Want to know more about what to do in Lille during your city trip? Quickly read our article!