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Things to do in Lille

The foodie capital of Hauts-de-France. Lille perfectly blends cuisine with culture! 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 love to spend your break discovering the history of the impressive architecture, or taking 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 things to do in Lille below and book your crossing today!

 
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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. Expect to see work from Monet, Raphaël, Donatello, and Picasso. The museum is located in the heart of Lille, on Place de la République, so is easily accessible.

If you plan to travel during the festive season, then look no further than Lille for some special family time. Enjoy rides on the festive Ferris wheel in the square, or share some delightful sweet treats from the Christmas market whilst you wonder through the decorated town square and streets, Lille is magical at this time of year!

Foodie Capital

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 – 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 absolutely need to visit Grand Scène. Located just a 5 minute walk from the Office de Tourisme is Lille's unmissable street food scene, with ten restaurants/food stalls, two bars, and a coffee-shop all under one roof, this is the spot for foodie lovers who enjoy a lively atmosphere, warm and friendly service, local beers and delicious street food - including organic, vegan and eco sourced produce. Plus, with cultural events being held throughout the year there's always something to entertain the crowds here.

Visit Lille Zoo

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!

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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Featured Blog Post Three Great Ways to Explore Lille

Located just over an hour from Calais port by car, Lille is a stunning French city offering plenty of options for those who want to explore.

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