Lille is a French city in the Hauts-de-France region. It's known for its rich history, varied heritage, unique architecture and friendly atmosphere. If you're planning a visit to Lille, here are a few must-see things to do:
Lille's town hall belfry
Lille's town hall belfry is the tallest belfry in the region. It's considered a symbol of freedom for all the communes of Hauts-de-France, but also a landmark in the city. From its summit, you can enjoy a 360° view of the city and its surroundings.
Grand'Place of Lille
Lille's Grand'Place is the city's central square. It's here that the huge Ferris wheel is installed during the Christmas season. Its official name is Place du Général-de-Gaulle, in honor of the famous native of Lille.
The Vieille Bourse
La Vieille Bourse is a historic building on Lille's Grand'Place. Today, it houses bookshops and souvenir stores. You can also enjoy concerts and street performances.
The Palais des Beaux-Arts
Lille's Palais des Beaux-Arts is one of France's largest museums. It houses an impressive collection of works of art, from Antiquity to the present day 12.
Old Lille district
Vieux Lille is the city's historic district. It is characterized by its cobbled streets, red-brick houses and numerous restaurants and bars. It's an ideal place to stroll and discover the city's history.
Wazemmes market
The Wazemmes market is a popular market located in the Wazemmes district. Here you'll find a wide variety of fresh produce, clothing and handicrafts.
La Citadelle
Lille's Citadelle is a former military fortress built in the 17th century. Today, it's a public park where you can stroll and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
The churches
Lille is home to several historic churches, including Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral, Saint-Maurice Church and Sainte-Catherine Church. These churches are outstanding examples of religious architecture.
Traditional cuisine specialities
Lille is famous for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes such as carbonade flamande, welsh rarebit and moules-frites. You can sample these specialties in many of the city's restaurants.