Lille is a city in the northernmost region of France, near the border with Belgium. Its historic center (Vieux Lille), distinctive Flemish style architecture, UNESCO-listed belfry offering scenic views, and the centuries old Citadel of Lille are just a few reasons to visit. We visited Lille as part of a weekend road trip through Ghent, Lille and Baarle. In this post, you’ll find our recommendations for what to see in Lille in just one day.
Lille is easily accessible by public transport: just 1 hour by train from Paris, 1 to 1.5 hours from Belgian cities like Ghent and Brussels, and 1.5 hours from Calais (if you’re arriving from the UK via ferry or the Eurotunnel). We chose to travel by car from Utrecht, Netherlands, since it was shortly after Covid-19 travel restrictions had been lifted across the EU, and we preferred to avoid public transport.
Due to Covid-19, we didn’t travel anywhere for four whole months (I still can’t believe it myself!), and were eager to go somewhere, anywhere. As soon as we got the opportunity, we looked at the map, spotted a city we hadn’t explored yet – Lille – and decided to head there by for the weekend. Along the way, we also stopped at Ghent, which you can read more about in our What to See in Ghent in One Day post.
We discovered that Lille offers plenty to see and do, making it absolutely worth a visit. Here are our highlights from exploring Lille in One Day.
Le Vieux Lille (Old Lille)
Let’s begin with the very heart of the city – its old town. Vieux Lille is the historic center, home to beautiful 17th century buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and charming brick and stone houses with well preserved and restored facades.
We parked our car near our hotel and set off on foot to explore Lille’s old town. We wandered through charming streets lined with cafes and restaurants, admired the architecture, and simply enjoyed the city’s nice atmosphere.
Place Charles de Gaulle
Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly known as Grand Place, is Lille’s grand central square. It’s surrounded by several historic buildings, and at its heart stands the Colonne de la Déesse (Column of the Goddess).
Perhaps the most eye-catching historical building in the square is the 17th century stock exchange – La Vieille Bourse. Take a walk around the building to see all the intricate ornaments and architectural details. Step inside to discover its inner courtyard, which hosts a second-hand book market on certain days of the week.
Place Charles de Gaulle is beautifully illuminated in the evening. If you’re staying overnight, be sure to wander through the old town after dark – the atmosphere takes on a magical charm.
Tip: Place Charles de Gaulle is usually busy with people. If you’d like to snap photos without the crowds, or simply enjoy the square in a quieter time – try visiting on a Sunday morning. Shops and cafes don’t open until later in the day, so the area is much more peaceful.
Place du Théâtre
Right behind Place Charles de Gaulle and the old stock exchange building lies Place du Théâtre – another charming square in Lille’s historic center, surrounded by elegant buildings. The square takes its name from the former theater that once stood here, which was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1903. In its place, a new Opera House was built.
Palais des Beaux-Arts
If you’re an art enthusiast, a visit to the Palais des Beaux-Arts at Place de la République (Republic Square) is a must. It’s one of the largest art museums in France, housing an impressive collection that spans centuries.
Even if you don’t plan to visit the museum, the building itself is quite beautiful. Stroll around Republic Square, where you’ll find a monument, a fountain, and nice views of the Palais des Beaux-Arts on one side and the building of Préfecture de Lille on the other.
Beffroi de Lille (Belfry of Lille) and Lille City Hall
The Beffroi de Lille, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands proudly as one of the tallest belfries in Europe. Attached to Lille City Hall, the two buildings form an architectural complex just beyond the city central area, but still well within walking distance.
Visitors can book a ticket online to ascend the tower and enjoy panoramic views across Lille’s rooftops and beyond.
Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, so we admired it from the outside before continuing on to the next landmark – the Porte de Paris.
Porte de Paris
The Porte de Paris is a beautiful 17th century triumphal arch located at Place Simon Vollant – named after the architect of one of its facades. Interestingly, the facades of the arch were created by two different architects from two different eras – Simon Vollant in the 17th century and Louis-Marie Cordonnier in the 19th. If you view the arch from the side, you’ll notice an unusual detail – one facade is higher than the other.
If you’re traveling with children and need a break from sightseeing, you’ll find a small city park just a short walk beyond the Porte de Paris arch. Parc Jean-Baptiste Lebas is a nice spot to pause and recharge before continuing your exploration of Lille. It even has a small playground that’s perfect for letting little ones run off some energy.
Porte de Roubaix and Porte de Gand
Two other city gates in Lille – Porte de Roubaix and Porte de Gand – may not match the grandeur of the Porte de Paris, but they still hold historical significance. Located just a ten-minute walk apart, these old city gates are reminders of Lille’s days as a fortified town.
That said, when we visited Porte de Roubaix, my main impression wasn’t its architecture but the urine odor lingering near and inside the arch. It certainly ruined the experience. 🙁
Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral and Surroundings
Lille Cathedral – officially the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille – is an architectural landmark that bridges centuries of history. Construction began in 1854, but its full completion wasn’t realized until 1999, resulting in a mix of neo-Gothic structure and modern detailing.
Step into the square that stretches before it if you’re travelling in warmer months and you’ll fine outdoor cafés, perfect to pause for a lunch or a drink.
As you walk around the cathedral, don’t miss the charming row of colorful Flemish style houses nearby. Neatly joined side by side, each with a small yard out front, these homes give the area a nice village-like feel.
Place aux Oignons and Ilôt Comtesse
Explore the narrow streets near Lille Cathedral and head to Place aux Oignons – a square surrounded by 17th and 18th century houses, many of them restored or rebuilt. It’s a pedestrian-only area now, with cafés and restaurants, making it a relaxing spot to take a break while walking through the city.
Lille has no shortage of public squares. Another one to check out is Ilôt Comtesse. It’s a small green space surrounded by historical buildings and makes for a peaceful stop in the middle of the city.
Saint Maurice Catholic Church
Another impressive architectural site to visit in Lille is Saint Maurice Catholic Church. Its construction spanned across several centuries too – from the late 14th century all the way to the end of the 19th.
Built in Gothic style and featuring plenty of stained glass windows inside, it’s a church that’s definitely worth seeing.
Citadel Park, the Citadel and Pont Napoléon
Last but not least on our list of Lille in One Day highlights is Citadel park. It’s a large green space with playgrounds, a small zoo, and the Citadel, which is still an active military base.
The Citadel of Lille is a pentagon-shaped fortress from the 17th century, designed by the renowned French Field Marshal Vauban. Today, it houses the Headquarters Rapid Reaction Corps-France and is therefore closed to the public.
On the eastern edge of the park you’ll find Pont Napoléon – a charming bridge with a dramatic history. It was destroyed twice by the German army – first in 1918 during World War 1, and again in 1944 during World War 2. After being rebuilt each time, the bridge underwent a final reconstruction in 2014 and now serves as a pleasant entrance to Citadel Park.
How many days in Lille?
We spent less than two days in Lille – arriving late morning, enjoying a stroll through Citadel Park, then having lunch at a pleasantly quiet brasserie. In the afternoon, we explored the charming streets of Vieux Lille, and by evening, admired the city center illuminated by streetlights. The next morning we did a little more sightseeing before departure.
Unless you’re planning to visit museums, the zoo, or indulge in shopping, one day is enough to see the main sights of Lille.
Is Lille worth visiting?
Absolutely! Lille is a city rich in history and charm. With its many historic landmarks, a renowned art museum, and preserved old town, it offers plenty to explore. The architecture is a blend of Flemish and French influences, adding character to every street. Whether you’re here for cultural sights or simply to wander through the old town, Lille is a must-visit destination in northern France.
Where to stay in Lille?
We always book accommodation for our travels at Booking.com :
After Lille, on our way home to Utrecht, we stopped in the uniquely divided towns of Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog. Curious how a single town can be split between Belgium and the Netherlands, with borders going through streets and even buildings? Read about it in the next post: Visiting Baarle – a town split by Belgium–Netherlands borders.
Liked the post? Pin it!
Thanks for joining in #TravelBlogTuesday. Lille is certainly a city I’d love to visit. The architecture is stunning. I shall find myself there for a day, someday.
Thanks for reading, John. Lille is definitely worth a visit 🙂
This is my type of city. I love the Old Town, especially La Vieille Bourse. What beautiful architecture. It’s, even more, a place I want to visit after reading this.
I loved the architecture too! And nice atmosphere – with lots of pleasant outdoor cafes at the open squares and streets of the old city.
What a beautiful place! I definitely need to explore more of France. I love the look of Old Lille and the colourful Flemish houses are too cute.
It’s a lovely city indeed. Well worth of exploring 🙂