So after the adventure that was Amiens, we hopped on the train to Lille. It was only about an hour and a half ride, and to be honest? It felt like stepping into a different world.
Lille is in the very north of France, right near the Belgian border, and you can absolutely feel that Flemish influence. It’s in the architecture, food, and the whole vibe of the place. It’s lively and colourful and full of character, and we fell for it almost immediately. I didn’t know what to expect because I didn’t do much research. Sometimes, it’s good to be surprised.
Where We Stayed:
Our three nights were spent at the Boa Hotel, a smaller boutique hotel, and I can’t say enough good things about the hotel. It was absolutely wonderful, with a great location (a 7-minute walk from the train station, assuming you’re going the right way. It was 20 minutes for us till Fede grabbed the phone from my hand… haha!) The lovely staff and comfortable rooms made our visit memorable.
The room was spacious, and we both agreed that, of all the places we stayed at on this trip, it was the best. They also had the most extensive media library. It was great to be able to watch movies, etc., in English. I also loved the fact that we could come back late and have a drink at the bar.
Since we were right near the train stations, it made getting around incredibly easy. If you’re heading to Lille, I’d recommend it without hesitation. The rooms were very quiet as well, despite being in a busy area, and there were cafes and places to eat quite close.
Some awesome reasons why Lille captivated us:
La Piscine — The Museum That Used to Be a Swimming Pool
Okay, this one is so cool. It was the only place I wanted to visit in Lille. Lille came about because I’d seen this place on YouTube. About a 40-minute metro ride from Lille city centre, in the town of Roubaix, is La Piscine, a stunning art and industry museum that used to be a public swimming pool. They kept the pool and surrounded it with beautiful art!
The central hall still has this gorgeous Art Deco pool running right through the middle of it, with sculptures and artworks displayed all around it. The light that pours through those tall windows is magical, for lack of a better word.
It’s a place that surprises you. You think you’re going to a museum, and you end up in something that feels more like a dream. Fede loved it, and I did too. Honestly, one of the highlights of the whole trip. The best part is that it doesn’t get too crowded. There’s a huge cafeteria there, and it was full of locals. It’s worth checking out if you visit. Here’s a video so you can see the shower rooms better. Haha! never mind me… I hum a lot! A lot! 🙂
The Cathedral
Lille’s cathedral, namely the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de la Treille, is a fascinating mix of old and new. Construction started back in the 19th century but wasn’t completed until 1999 (hello… Sagrada Familia :-)), and the modern facade is quite striking. It’s very different from the Gothic grandeur of Amiens, but in its own way, it’s just as interesting. Worth a visit for sure. I didn’t take any pictures of the interior because there was a service going on.
The Food and The People
The people of Lille are just lovely, warm, friendly, and proud of their city, which makes sense because the city is great, and like I said, beautiful. Northern French cuisine is hearty and delicious, with that Belgian influence coming through beautifully. Think rich stews, incredible cheese, fantastic bread, and some of the best beer you’ll ever have.
I think our only complaint was hitting a restaurant while a great football match was happening and all the staff crowded around the TV in front, ignoring us and other clientele (we were also watching the game, but heck… I didn’t work there.) At the end of the dinner, the waiter actually had the nerve to ask for a tip! Asked outright, even though the service was already included on the bill. I think not!!!
The Vieux-Lille neighbourhood, the old town, is a must for wandering and eating. The cobblestone streets, the gorgeous Flemish Baroque architecture in pinks and golds, the little squares with café terraces… It’s a place where you keep walking because there’s always something beautiful around the next corner. I brought home more jewelry than I intended, plus a faux fur-trimmed hat. Yeah… there is a huge mall right by the train station too, thank god we had checked luggage with plenty of space. For someone like me who hates shopping, I did quite a bit of it :-).
The Grand Place
The heart of Lille is the Place du Général de Gaulle, known locally as the Grand Place, and it is grand indeed. The beautiful buildings surrounding it, the column in the centre, the bustle of people. We sat with a coffee and watched the world go by. We did exactly that more than once. Very interesting seeing the different types of travellers dragging their luggage through. It is also the place to catch all the tour buses.
One of the main attractions is La Vieille Bourse, which was the old stock exchange building. It has an open central court inside with stalls and vendors selling old posters, etc. It’s worth checking out. For other things to do in Lille, check out the Lille tourism website
Would We Go Back?
Yes, and we’d stay longer. Four days felt like a good amount of time, but we still felt like we’d only scratched the surface. Lille is one of those cities that deserves slow exploration. I think the more you wander, the more you find.
It’s vibrant without being overwhelming, and it has a real sense of community and local pride that you don’t always find in bigger tourist destinations. It’s a lower-key Paris, I think.
If Lille isn’t on your France list yet, add it. It’s kind of nice not to have to rush about cramming in landmarks. This pace was just right for us. Now, a direct flight from Valencia would be awesome :-).
Have you been to Lille? If yes, did it steal your heart too?