Free walking tours in Lille and what to see

Must-sees

Lille is the big city of northern France and keeps a strong Flemish heritage. The centre revolves around the Grand Place, officially Place du Général-de-Gaulle, surrounded by brick and stone façades with decorated gables. On one side is the Vieille Bourse, the old stock exchange, with an inner courtyard where booksellers and chess players gather. Close by, Place du Théâtre brings together the opera house and the Chamber of Commerce building with its belfry.

To the north stretches Vieux-Lille, with cobbled streets, 17th- and 18th-century houses, shops and restaurants. Here you can visit the Hospice Comtesse, a former hospital turned museum, and the cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille. The Palais des Beaux-Arts holds a large collection of European painting. For some fresh air, Vauban’s citadel is surrounded by a large park, and the Wazemmes market shows the city’s more popular side.

Free tours and guided visits

Civitatis lists no free walking tours in Lille. What there is are guided tours of the centre and Vieux-Lille, a panoramic tour to see the main sights in a short time and a tour in a Citroën 2CV, an original way to see the city. It also offers the Lille City Pass, which bundles museum entry and transport, useful if you plan to visit several.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the Grand Place, the Vieille Bourse and Vieux-Lille at a relaxed pace. With two days you can add the Palais des Beaux-Arts, the citadel and a museum in the surrounding area, such as La Piscine in Roubaix or the Louvre-Lens. Lille is an hour from Paris by train, so it also works as a day trip.

Where to stay

Vieux-Lille is the most charming area to stay, with everything within walking distance and lots going on in the evening. Next to Lille-Flandres and Lille-Europe stations there are plenty of practical hotels if you arrive by train. The centre, between the Grand Place and Rue de Béthune, is also a good option for its proximity to shops, museums and the metro.