Thanks in part to the frequent London-to-Lille Eurostar service and its former Capital of Culture status, Lille – in Northern France – ranks ever higher as a weekend destination of choice. With the current hunger for authenticity in tourism, it’s good to know that for every well-known spot, there’s a more hidden local treasure. Here are our top tips for the real Lille deal.
Discover things to do in Lille like a local
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A French foodie city trip is waiting for you only a 80-minute train ride from London
Some highlights of a stay in Lille:
- Feel the beat of old Lille: its cobbled stone streets and trendy boutiques
- Sample the heart warming dishes of Northern France in an estaminet
- Indulge in a memorable meal at a Michelinstarred restaurant
- Explore Lille in a more unusual way with a beer-themed treasure hunt
Coffee Stops in Lille
At the beating heart of the city, locals meet up with locals at the perimeter cafés of Grand’Place with Café Méo a particularly popular spot for locals to enjoy coffee with friends against the backdrop of the square’s Flemish, art-deco and classical architecture.
If you’re in the Cathedral area, you could also make a beeline for the terrace-tables in the Cathedral square - the perfect spot to watch the world go by – or for something cosier, head to Coffee-Makers on Rue Pierre Mauroy (formerly Rue de Paris), a well-kept secret - until now - for its proper coffee and delicious brunches.
Don’t dismiss the seemingly old-fashioned term ‘Salon de Thé’ (tea-rooms) either, as it just means somewhere serving the hot drink and pâtisserie combo. The out-and-out favourite for tradition and charm is Meert, known all over town – and beyond – for the opulence of its emporium and its iconic creamy-filled waffles. There’s more besides for the sweet-toothed…
Sweet treats
If the combination of light meringue and whipped-cream appeals, chances are you’ll love the Merveilleux cakelettes in the pâtisserie of the same name. Now with outlets as far and wide as New York and London, this impossibly cute corner shop in Rue de la Monnaie was their very first premises. Open on Sundays!
Big on beer
Lille is big on beer and many visitors get a taste for Blanche de Lille white beer or beer-brand Ch’ti (also the name of the local dialect). Bar La Capsule is a firm locals’ favourite and there are an increasing number of beer-tours and beer-fests to investigate in town.
For something 100%-local-100%-artisan, pre-book a visit to Brasserie LIL-Marcotte (brasserie also meaning brewery), inconspicuously tucked away in a former textiles factory. Likeable local guys Laurent and Gauthier show you the ropes and invite you to try their trio of micro-brewed (and beautifully branded) craft beers.
Cool quatiers
Visitors and the Lillois (that’s the name for the local people: pronounced Leel-wah) love the old world charm of the cobbled Vieux-Lille (Flemish townhouses, boutiques, bars, the Hospice Comtesse Museum…) but did you know that Lille boasts two more cool districts?
Head to the Quartier Saint Sauveur to take in the art-deco belfry (panoramic views from the top), the Porte de Paris (Lille’s answer to the Arc de Triomphe) and nearby Gare Saint Sauveur, once a railway station, now a hip space for culture and the arts. And linger longer in the district around the Euralille shopping centre – for its über-modern urban vibe.
Shop 'til you drop
If you’ve come for the shopping but have been caught out by French Sunday-closing laws, all is not lost in Lille as you can head to the vast and eclectic Sunday market in Wazemmes - a quick Metro hop out of the centre. There are more markets besides…
Less bustle and smaller, but big on quality, flavour and finesse, you’ll find all of Lille’s freshest ingredients (fish, cheese, cooked meats, artisan waffles, breads, oysters…) at the Marché du Concert at the end of Rue de la Monnaie on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings.
Local transport
It could be argued that the best way to see a city is on foot. Lille, however, is a pretty big place so you might need some help getting from A to B.
Don’t be afraid to jump on the easy-to-use and inexpensive tramway, Metro or bus network – it’s how the locals go seamlessly about their business. On the tram or Metro, take advantage of a half-price ZAP fare for a 3-stops-or-less journey or hop on a bus to the nearby Bois de Boulogne, Lille locals’ favourite family-friendly green space.
Lille guided tours
For a first time in Lille, you can be sure that a Tourist Office guided tour or City-Tour bus will cover the main sights.
For an alternative, more anecdotal, more back-streets tour, search up a Greeter to see the best of Lille’s ‘curiosités’, through the eyes of a local. Also consider Le Grand Huit’s guided-tours by bike or tandem.
What to eat in Lille?
You’ll most likely be overwhelmed by the choice of eateries in Lille from down-to-earth bars, bistros and estaminets (a Northern French term for a traditional brasserie) to high-end gastronomy addresses. Just ask a local for a recommendation.
Try Le Barbue d’Anvers or seek out Le Basilic tucked away in the old town – it’s buzzing with locals and is modern French eclectic in its décor and menu. As to what you eat, locals are likely to suggest a regional specialty such as la Carbonnade Flamande (beer and onion stew), a Flamiche au Maroilles (rich cheesey tart) or for something casual, le Welsh (melted cheese poured over toasted bread and ham, topped with an egg). According to ExploreFrance, discover 5 favorite restaurants for locals in Lille
Where to stay in Lille?
Many visitors opt for chain hotels for location, consistency and ease of booking but scratch the surface and you’ll find some independent addresses which are bigger on charm.
Try Hôtel Alliance or a chambre d’hote (B&B) such as Où Dorment les Fées or Lille aux Oiseaux.
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Useful information
Tourist Board Information of Lille
Palais Rihour
F-59000 Lille
Tel. : +33 359 579 400
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