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Things to do in Lille

As the foodie capital of Hauts-de-France, there are plenty of things to see and do in Lille. Perfectly blending cuisine with culture, the city has everything. From impressive architecture, to foodie hotspots and museums and cultural venues, Lille is a destination not to be missed when visiting Northern France.

Whether you want to spend your break discovering the history of Lille or take part in food tastings and beer samplings, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Lille that are sure to keep you entertained during your trip.

Driving from Calais to Lille takes around 70 minutes, which makes it an ideal city for a day trip or short break. Plus, if you're travelling by car, take advantage of more freedom and peace of mind by upgrading to one of our Flexi tickets. Allowing you to take the scenic route home at a leisurely pace, our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets give you greater flexibility to your departure time so you can enjoy even more of Lille during your trip!

Find out more about the places to visit in Lille below and Dover to Calais ferry today!

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Morning	01;55	04:25	06:50	09:15
Midday	11:40
Afternoon	14:05	16:30
Evening	18:55	20:50	23:40

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Lille Zoo

Top Things to do in Lille

Culture & Art

If you want to fully immerse yourself into Lille’s culture, head to the ‘old town’ where you’ll meander through cobblestone streets, lined with beautiful baroque style buildings, dating back to the 17th century. Here you’ll find quaint cafes and great little coffee spots that are perfect for people watching. With local artisan shops, beer cafes and book markets dotted around there’s plenty to explore, whether you’re visiting for a day trip or a long weekend.

Art lovers must head to the Palais de Beaux-Arts. This stunning museum showcases some of the best modern art, antiques and fine art. As a popular thing to do in Lille with families, this museum offers a great chance for your kids to see work from Monet, Raphaël, Donatello, and Picasso in person and ignite their creativity. The museum is located in the heart of Lille, on Place de la République, so is easily accessible.

If you're looking for things to do in Lille with kids during the festive season, look no further! The city comes alive with holiday cheer, offering plenty of fun activities for the whole family. Enjoy thrilling rides on the festive Ferris wheel in the square, or indulge in delightful sweet treats from the Christmas market as you stroll through the beautifully decorated town square and streets. As one of the best Christmas markets in France, it truly is magical at this time of year, making it the perfect destination for a family getaway!

Best places to eat in Lille

It’s no wonder Lille is referred to as the foodie capital of the Hauts-de-France region. With everything from fine dining in Michelin star restaurants, to sampling street food and late night beer bars, Lille has it all!

The food scene here perfectly blends modern cuisine with French favourites offering plenty of places to visit in Lille– don’t forget to try the Welsh (a new take on the Croque Monsieur), Carbonnade (a Flemish stew), and of course the Moules Frites. Due to its close proximity to Belgium, the food in Lille is heavily influenced by Belgian cuisine so you'll find a great mix of French and Belgian cooking.

Street food lovers shouldn’t miss Grand Scène, just a 5-minute walk from the Office de Tourisme. This vibrant spot is one of the top things to do in Lille for foodies, featuring ten restaurants and food stalls, two bars, and a coffee shop all under one roof. It’s the perfect place to enjoy delicious street food, from organic and vegan options to eco-sourced produce. With a lively atmosphere, friendly service, and local beers, it’s a great place to relax and indulge. Plus, cultural events throughout the year ensure there’s always something exciting to enjoy!

Find out what events are being held throughout the year that best suit you and book your Dover to Calais crossing so you can start planning your trip to Lille straight away.

Things to do in Lille with kids

Lille Zoo offers fun for all the family, so why not head here during your trip and find out all about their conservation efforts and breeding programs, plus meet the animals too!

Lille Zoo is home to a whole range of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including alpacas, boa constrictors, sloths, red pandas, peacocks, tapirs, and rhinos to name just a few. You will also find plenty of entertainment options, activities, and workshops to keep you occupied during your visit.

With so many things to do in Lille, it is definitely time for you to take a trip here and discover it all for yourself. So don’t delay and book your ferry to France today!

10 things to do in Lille

With so many places to visit it can be hard to decide what to do. Here is our list of the top 10 things to do in Lille that you should consider planning into your trip:

Visit the Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)
Explore the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille
Stroll through Vieux Lille (Old Lille)
Climb the Belfry of Lille
Visit La Piscine Museum
Check out the Lille Citadel
Discover the Marché de Wazemmes
Visit the Lille Cathedral (Basilique de Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille)
Relax in the Jardin des Plantes
Enjoy a Lille Beer and Local Cuisine

Discover plenty of things to do in Lille no matter if you love history, eating and drinking, or are looking for family-friendly activities

Top attraction to see in Lille

Lille City Tour

Chamonix . Frankrijk

Discover the city of Lille on a 75-minute convertible coach tour. See Lille's monuments, including the opera house and town hall, on this comprehensive tour of the 4th largest city in France.

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National Sea Life Centre Tickets

Lille . France

Dive into the unknown seas in Europe's biggest aquarium. Explore fascinating exhibitions like the Journey on the High Seas and Mankind and Shores, in addition to countless beautiful marine species.

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2-hour guided walking tour

Chamonix . Frankrijk

Embark on a 2-hour walk in Vieux Lille with a qualified guide, on the trail of the town's history as well as its heritage. Spot the old town’s main sights and monuments and hear fun facts and anecdotes about life on the charming cobbled streets.

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FAQs:

1. Is Lille worth visiting?

With plenty of things to do in Lille, the city is definitely worth visiting. With activities and places to visit to suit everyone of all ages no one will ever be bored when visiting Lille. Here you can explore its rich history, vibrant culture, art museums, charming streets, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere, making it a fantastic destination.

2. What to do in Lille?

With lots to do in Lille all year round you can Explore Vieux Lille, visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, climb the Belfry, or stroll through the Christmas markets, or relax in the Jardin des Plantes. Lille offers vibrant culture, history, and local experiences.

3. What to see in Lille?

To make sure you get to visit all the best places to go in Lille you must visit the Grand Place, Lille Cathedral, the Citadel, and the stunning Palais des Beaux-Arts for its art collection. Offering the perfect blend of Lille’s arts and culture as well as its architecture, they provide the best things to do to explore the culture of the town.

4. Where is Lille, France?

Lille is located in northern France, close to the Belgian border, in the Hauts-de-France region. With only being a 70 minute drive away from our Calais port it makes the perfect destination for a day trip as well as a short break away. Explore our Dover to Calais ferry times today.

5. What is Lille famous for?

Lille is famous for a variety of things including its historic architecture, vibrant cultural scene, fashion, local beer, cuisine, and being a key hub between France and Belgium. With being famous for many things you will have plenty of places to visit making it a perfect location for a getaway.

6. Where to eat in Lille?

Known as the foodie capital of the Hauts-de-France region, there are lots of great places to eat in Lille. From Michelin star restaurants to street markets offering a blend of French and Belgium cuisine there are plenty of places to try. Make sure you don’t miss out on the great food choices available at the Grand Scène for street food, or visit local favourites like Le Compostelle for French cuisine, and La Chicorée for traditional Flemish dishes.

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