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A perfect weekend in Lille

Cafe culture in one of Lille's market squares

We take the fast track to one of northern France's most popular destinations

Tucked up in France's northeast corner, Lille may be 200km from the hustle and bustle of Paris, but it's certainly no shrinking violet.

A former European City of Culture, Lille makes a memorable weekend getaway. Among its artisan wine shops, cobbled streets and and fine art galleries, you’ll find a rich mix of cultural treasures and retail therapy on offer.

Getting there

It takes just 80 minutes to travel from London’s Eurostar™ terminal to the heart of Lille.

Alternatively, it might be more convenient for you to travel to the continent from Ebbsfleet International. Ebbsfleet is a stunning new station in Kent – just a few minutes from junction 2 of the M25, and the Bluewater shopping centre. It also shaves 10 minutes off the train time from London.

The train will take you right into the city. The sleek international terminal at Lille Europe TGV is just five minutes' walk from the old town centre of Vieux Lille, making it easy to go green.

Facilities at Lille Europe include bureaux de change, trams and metro connections. Buses depart regularly from outside the station and there are several taxi ranks around the complex.

For longer day-trips, Lille Flanders station connects with dozens of destinations throughout north-east France. See Eurostar for more information.

Getting around

Thanks to its modest size, you can get to most of Lille's main attractions on foot. Alternatively, there’s a good value metro, tram and bus service with an interchangeable ticket deal (single 90p, day pass £2.45).

For something different, why not try whizzing your way around the city on an electrically powered e-bike for £7 per day from Oxygene, or a segway e-bike. Normal bikes can also be hired for £3.50 a day from Ch’ti Velo. You can find all of these by Lille Flanders train station.

Where can I eat?

People eating al fresco in a Lille market square

Lille dining is all about artisan producers and local specialities. Here are some of our favourites places.

Stylish seafood: À l'Huîtrière
Splash out at this upmarket, Michelin-starred seafood restaurant situated in the heart of Vieux Lille. With an extensive wine cellar and super-fresh seafood, À l'Huîtrière is a hit with well-heeled locals and can get busy. Try the house speciality, roasted lobster.

Veggie heaven: Grains de Nature
This homely vegetarian restaurant is committed to using homemade products and features a seasonally changing menu. All the dishes at Grains de Nature are designed to be nutritionally balanced and are accompanied by raw vegetables and freshly squeezed juice or water.

Organic on a budget: La Source
La Source is an organic restaurant offering a small, regularly changing menu and seasonal specialities. There’s a strong emphasis on fresh, ethically sourced products at La Source and it’s good value for money too. The three-course lunch set menu comes at 10.50 euros.

Sweet treats: Meert
This luxury patisserie, chocolate shop and tea room has served kings, viceroys and generals since 1761. Meert’s wrought iron balcony, mosaic floor and coffered ceiling date from 1839. Their speciality is waffles griddled over an open wood fire and filled with Madagascan vanilla.

Where can I sleep?

We've picked out a handful of the city's most popular hotels and hostels. You can find many more attractive places to stay in Lille at Eurostar.

Expensive: Couvent des Minimes
Housed in a listed 17th-century former convent building, this plush, historic hotel is now home to 83 spacious and comfortable bedrooms. A glass-roofed patio and restaurant area forms the centrepiece of the building, which is just five minutes from the city centre.
Location: 17 Quail de Wault, 59000 Lille
Cost: From 235 euros per room per night
For more information: Couvent des Minimes

Moderate: The Grand Hotel Bellevue
The Grand Hotel Bellevue is home to 60 spacious rooms, combining antique furniture, marble bathrooms and the latest mod cons. A belle époque lift adds charm to the hotel and there’s a well-stocked cocktail bar in reception.
Location: 5 Rue Jean Roisin Lille 59800
Cost: 113 euros per room per night
For more information: The Grand Hotel Bellevue

Budget: Hotel de la Paix
This family-run bed and breakfast is modest yet cosy, and conveniently located just a short walk away from the Grand Place and Opera House. The walls are decorated with the owner’s artwork and the 18th century building also houses a coffee shop.
Location: 46 bis, rue de Paris 59800 Lille
Cost: From 80 euros per night per person
For more information: Hotel de la Paix

Hidden gems

OK, it's not really a hidden gem, but it is definitely the best freebie in town. Lille Zoological Gardens plays its part in conservation by breeding rare and endangered species which are under threat in their natural environment – without capturing animals from the wild.
The Piscine Art Gallery is unlike any art space we know. A metro ride from Lille centre, the gallery in Roubaix has been converted from an art deco swimming baths, with the changing cubicles turned into exhibit cases.

To find out more about Lille and many other great European destinations, and to book your tickets, visit Eurostar.