Lille Hotels

Lille is like a mini Paris without the crowd; it has the same air of grandeur, a large historical heritage and a wonderful gastronomic footprint. Begin your visit with the top spot of the city, the Place General de Gaulle known as the Grand’ Place surrounded by stately Renaissance and Baroque Flemish buildings. On the south side of the square, find Lille’s most beautiful buildings. The old stock exchange is a richly decorated building with an ornamented courtyard that’s hosts a used-book market and stalls of vintage vinyls and postcards.

Then take a hike to Old Lille quarter, characterized by steeply gabled houses in brick and golden sandstone. Wander around the streets and stop by the Hospice Comtesse which will give you a snapshot of the city’s rich textile industry past.

End your visit with Lille City Hall, designated a UNESCO listed monument which offers a remarkable architecture and cultural heritage.

Just outside the tumult of the city, go for a stroll and fresh air in Lille’s largest public park, the Citadelle Park.

For an authentic taste of grass-roots, Wazemmes is the quarter where diverse cultures and working class are mixing together.

Lille has many museums to visit especially for the aesthete. Start with Lille Fine Arts Museum where you’ll find France’s second largest collection after the Louvre. The Modern and Contemporary Art Museum also homes colorful collection. Finally explore La Piscine, a museum in a converted public swimming pool which is an art deco jewel.

For the gourmet, you’ll literally find hundreds of restaurant, bars and cafés. Incorporating typical Belgian dishes such as the mussels and fries, Lilloise gastronomy will delight you. Waffles, chocolate, local beer and unique specialties are waiting for you!

If you are visiting Lille in September, don’t miss out the biggest flea market in Europe which is held every year during the first week-end of September. More than 10,000 exhibitors are selling their wares at open-air market stalls throughout the city. This event feels more like a festival and you will enjoy local street food and crowd’s animation.