Lille 7 Day Itinerary

Here is a 7-day itinerary for traveling in Lille:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Centre

Places to Go:

  • The Grand Place (Rue de la Grande Place) - historic square at the heart of the city with beautiful architecture.
  • Rihour Square (Place Rihour) - lively area known for its cafes, restaurants, and shopping streets.

Activities:

  • Visit the Lille City Hall (Hôtel de Ville).
  • Explore the adjacent Rue Esquermoise street for shopping and dining.

Where to Eat:

  • Bistrot Le Grand Place (French cuisine) in the heart of the city.
  • Cafe du Grand Place (for coffee or a snack).

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel La Cartonnerie (4-star, historical charm).
  • Hotel Mercure Lille (3-star, modern amenities).

Things to Know:

  • Learn a few basic French phrases for a more authentic experience.

Transportation:

  • The city has a well-connected tram network; the closest tram stop is ‘Gare Centrale’ if you’re arriving by train.
  • Bike rental services are available within the city.

Tips and Other Information:

  • Lille has a pleasant climate but can get chilly. Pack accordingly.
  • Don’t miss any of the various festivals it hosts, especially during summer for events like concerts or opera performances.
  • If visiting in autumn, be sure to enjoy the changing leaves with a stroll along the Deûle River.

Day 2: History and Culture

Places to Go:

  • Palais des Congrès (Congress Palace) - home to various events but also offers tours of its architecture.
  • Lille Museum of Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille) - showcases French, Flemish, and British art.

Activities:

  • Explore the nearby streets for antique shops and local artists selling their work.
  • Visit any festivals happening in the city during your visit.

Where to Eat:

  • Le Comptoir du 7 (French cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients).
  • La Mère de Famille (for traditional French dining).

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying at a B&B for an authentic experience.
  • Hotel La Maison and Hotel Lille Europe offer modern amenities.

Things to Know:

  • If visiting in the summer, be sure to attend the city’s festivals.
  • Visit the nearby Louvre-Lens museum if you’re interested in more art.

Transportation:

  • Use tram 1 or bus 14 to get to Palais des Congrès from Gare Centrale.
  • Consider renting a bike for the day to explore Lille and its surroundings.

Day 3: Art and Nature

Places to Go:

  • Muro (Museum of Modern Art) - contemporary art in a former munitions factory.
  • Jardin Botanique de la Préfecture (Botanical Garden) - peaceful oasis with plants from around the world.

Activities:

  • Spend your day exploring the local art scene, perhaps visiting an artist’s studio or workshop.
  • Visit any exhibitions at Muro or Lille Museum of Fine Arts during your visit.

Where to Eat:

  • Bistrot la Maison (French cuisine in a charming setting).
  • Cafe de la Préfecture (for coffee and snacks).

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel La Maison is within walking distance of many artistic spots.
  • Consider staying at an eco-friendly hotel for a more sustainable experience.

Things to Know:

  • Lille has a rich cultural scene; be sure to check out any events happening during your visit.
  • The botanical garden offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Transportation:

  • Use tram 1 or bus 14 to get to Muro from Gare Centrale.
  • Biking is also an option for exploring Lille’s art scene.

Day 4: Outdoor Activities

Places to Go:

  • Parc de la Pêcherie (a green space along the Deûle River) - perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk.
  • Lille Zoological Gardens (Parc zoologique de Lille) - home to over 200 animals.

Activities:

  • Take a boat tour on the Deûle River for a different perspective of the city.
  • Visit the nearby village of Le Quesnoy, known for its medieval architecture and history.

Where to Eat:

  • La Maison du Marché (French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients).
  • Cafe de la Pêcherie (for snacks or coffee).

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Lille Europe is close to the zoological gardens.
  • Consider staying at a hotel near the Parc de la Pêcherie for easy access.

Things to Know:

  • The Deûle River offers a scenic backdrop for your outdoor activities.
  • Be sure to check out any local events happening in Le Quesnoy during your visit.

Transportation:

  • Tram 1 or bus 14 can take you from Gare Centrale to the Parc de la Pêcherie.
  • Biking is also an option for exploring Lille and its surroundings.

Day 5: Industrial Heritage

Places to Go:

  • La Piscine (Museum of Industry and Fashion) - located in a former swimming pool, it explores fashion history and the textile industry.
  • The Deûle River and its surrounding canals are another area of industrial heritage.

Activities:

  • Visit any exhibitions at La Piscine that align with your interests.
  • Take a boat tour on the Deûle River to see the city’s industrial past up close.

Where to Eat:

  • Bistrot la Maison (French cuisine in a charming setting).
  • Cafe du Marché (for snacks or coffee).

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel La Maison is within walking distance of many cultural and historical spots.
  • Consider staying at an eco-friendly hotel for a more sustainable experience.

Things to Know:

  • Lille has a rich industrial history; be sure to explore its heritage.
  • The city’s canals offer a unique perspective on its past.

Transportation:

  • Use tram 1 or bus 14 to get to La Piscine from Gare Centrale.
  • Biking is also an option for exploring Lille and its surroundings.

Day 6: Shopping

Places to Go:

  • Rue Esquermoise (shopping street lined with boutiques and cafes).
  • The Grand Place (historic square with shopping areas).

Activities:

  • Spend your day exploring the local fashion scene, perhaps visiting a boutique or two.
  • Check out any exhibitions at La Piscine that might interest you.

Where to Eat:

  • Bistrot Le Grand Place (French cuisine in the heart of the city).
  • Cafe du Marché (for snacks or coffee).

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Lille Europe is close to shopping areas.
  • Consider staying at a hotel near the Rue Esquermoise for easy access.

Things to Know:

  • Lille has a wide range of shopping options; be sure to explore its boutiques and markets.
  • The Grand Place is a historic and lively area with many shops.

Transportation:

  • Use tram 1 or bus 14 to get from Gare Centrale to the Rue Esquermoise.
  • Biking is also an option for exploring Lille’s shopping scene.

Day 7: Departure

Places to Go:

  • Visit any last-minute sights that you might have missed.
  • Spend your morning shopping or grabbing a bite to eat before leaving.

Where to Eat:

  • La Mère de Famille (for traditional French dining).
  • Cafe du Marché (for snacks or coffee).

Transportation:

  • Use tram 1 or bus 14 to get from the hotel to Gare Centrale.
  • Biking is also an option for exploring Lille and its surroundings.

This itinerary provides a mix of history, culture, art, nature, outdoor activities, industrial heritage, shopping, and more, giving you a well-rounded experience in Lille. Enjoy your visit!