5 good reasons to visit
Reason n°1
It’s easy to visit – only a 90-minutes direct train journey from London
Reason n°2
Le Palais des Beaux-Arts and Les Maisons Folies for culture and art
Reason n°3
Warm and friendly streets brimming with lively restaurants, cafés and designers from Hauts-de-France
Reason n°4
The unmissable Braderie de Lille is a famous street market that takes place the first weekend of September. It’s an institution!
Reason n°5
A local cuisine that’s full of flavours to enjoy with friends or family
©Northern France, Lille, Vieille Bourse |CRTC Hauts-de-France – Frederik Astier 
Northern France _ Lille _ Vieille Bourse © CRTC Hauts-de-France – Frederik Astier
In the words of Charles de Gaulle…
“For us, people of Lille, it is the truth that counts, not the frills and fripperies.”
Lille_Street Art_Charles de Gaulle©CRTC Hauts-de-France - Benjamin TEISSEDRE©Lille, Street Art, Charles de Gaulle
Charles de Gaulle
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive inspiration
for your next short break across the Channel.
A taste of Lille - 7 highlights
Lille _ Gaufre de la pâtisserie Meert _ Rue Esquermoise _ au bord du Vieux-Lille © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Jean-Luc Verbrugghe©Lille, Gaufre de la pâtisserie Meert, Rue Esquermoise, au bord du Vieux-Lille |Hauts-de-France Tourisme - Jean-Luc Verbrugghe
The waffles at Meert’s – a treat that’s won over the most famous of us all
Napoleon, Churchill and de Gaulle – they have all visited Meert, a famous patisserie in Lille’s old town. With golden gilding, extravagant ceiling, wrought iron balconies, brass and mirrors, the building itself is a treat for the eyes. Your senses will really come alive when you taste the famous Meert waffle, flavoured with Madagascan vanilla and made from a recipe that dates back to 1849. It’s said that General de Gaulle even had them delivered to the Elysée Palace when he was president. Don’t forget to share these delicious treats with your friends and family – they are a great introduction to Lille.
