Are you ready to discover Lille as only locals know it? I will take you on an inspiring journey through Lille, a city full of charm, creativity and culinary surprises. In this blog, you will discover what to do in Lille. Whether you love slow fashion, vintage finds, plant-based food or hidden green oases. With these tips, you will know exactly where to go to experience Lille at its best during your city break.
Shopping in Lille
9 Rue de La Vielle Comédie
1.Coco Friendly
In the heart of Lille is Coco Friendly, a boutique for ethical fashion and accessories. The shop exudes calm and warmth, with soft tones and natural materials. Everything here is about slow fashion, clothes made with respect for people and the environment. The collection consists of timeless basics and minimalist designs by eco-friendly brands from France and Europe, such as People Tree and Thinking Mu. Each piece is carefully selected and made from organic, natural or recycled materials.
41 Rue Basse
2. Mouflette
Mouflette is an atmospheric concept store with two branches: one in the centre of Lille and one in La Madeleine, a charming commune just outside the city. The shop was founded by Agathe Bizaux. Here you will find a carefully curated selection of decoration, lifestyle items, fashion and papeterie. The collection consists mainly of products from French and European brands.In the atmospheric spaces, you will find lamps, furniture, accessories, jewellery and small gifts, among others. The slogan "Sélection bien sentie" sums up the concept. A personal, thoughtful choice of beautiful objects that naturally connect style and everyday life.
2 Rue Nicolas Leblanc
3. Be Bop
In the centre of Lille, on Rue Nicolas Leblanc, you will find Be Bop. During a city break Lille, this shop is highly recommended for lovers of vintage and second-hand fashion. The boutique is located in a beautiful old building with high ceilings, colourful murals and a vibrant, creative feel. With a focus on style and character, Be Bop offers a dynamic selection of unique items, which are regularly replenished and showcased via their Instagram story. The shop attracts fashion lovers looking for unusual garments with a story.
Restaurants in Lille
2 Rue Saint-Étienne
1. La Wilderie
Between the atmospheric streets of Lille, you will find La Wilderie. This place will show you how creative Lille's restaurants are. This green haven is a fusion of a café, restaurant and plant shop. In a space full of hanging houseplants and natural accents, enjoy a delicious "Toas Des Bois". This toasted toast with creamy brie,hazelnuts, quince compote, salad and mustard dressing is finger-licking good. Or choose one of the regularly changing seasonal lunches. The menu is deliberately kept short, with an emphasis on nearby produce. While the drinks menu does not offer standard soft drinks, but homemade lemonades, special lattes and natural teas.
34 Rue de Marquillies
2. Petit Pois
Petit Pois is a warm place where you immediately feel welcome. It combines restaurant, bar, packaging-free grocery (vrac épicerie), vegetable shop and wine cellar in one cosy location. So you can not only eat and drink here, but also shop, play board games and darts. Even borrowing tools is no problem here. The kitchen works with seasonal produce from local suppliers and every dish feels carefully prepared. My favourite is the Spring Pea Risotto, a creamy risotto with young peas and Parmesan. This makes Petit Pois one of the nicest restaurants in Lille.
75 Boulevard de la Liberté
3. La Clairière
Among the hustle and bustle of Lille, La Clairière is a haven of peace for those who want to eat plant-based and tasty food. The restaurant operates entirely vegan, with many gluten-free options and ingredients from organic, local suppliers. For example, try the Green Bowl, a colourful mix of quinoa, hummus, vegetables, sultanas, pumpkin seeds and vinaigrette. The wooden tables, green plants and soft lighting make the atmosphere feel warm and inviting. Pets are also welcome here. Here you eat healthy, with pleasure and with an eye for sustainability. A perfect choice if you are looking for sustainable restaurants in Lille!
Activities in Lille
Place de la Nouvelle Aventure
1. Strolling through Marché de Warzemmes
In the heart of Lille, in the Wazemmes district, one of France's largest markets is bustling. Every Tuesday, Thursday and especially Sunday morning, you will find almost 400 stalls full of fresh food, textiles, accessories and second-hand stuff. The smell of fresh herbs and roast chicken mixes with bright colours of flowers and vegetables. It is not just a place for shopping, but also a social gathering place. Locals, students and curious visitors gather to explore, taste and wander around. It is one of the sights not to be missed in your city break to Lille.
67 Rue de la Monnaie
2. Merveilleux tasting
In Lille, you will find three branches of Aux Merveilleux de Fred. Here, the tastiest artisanal delicacies are made on the spot. One such delicacy is the iconic Merveilleux. This is an airy meringue filled with whipped cream and finished with chocolate shavings. In all branches, the sweet treats are beautifully presented in glass display cases. The interior is bright and elegant, with marble floors and soft beige tones on the walls. A large, eye-catching chandelier hangs in the centre of the restaurant. This spot is the perfect spot for a break while shopping.
Avenue Mathias Delobel
3. Walking through Parc de la Citadelle
For those who like to spend time in parks, this is the ideal activity in Lille. For here lies the vast Parc de la Citadelle, the city's largest green area. With around 110 hectares of nature, sports and history, you'll find hiking trails, a children's playground and even a zoo and a fort by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban from the seventeenth century. This is one of Lille's most famous sights and should definitely not be missed on your city break.
Hotels in Lille
110 Quai Géry Legrand
1. Les Toquées
In the quiet Bois Blancs district, on the banks of the Deûle river in Lille, lies Les Toquées, one of the most charming hotels in Lille. This maison d'hôtes is housed in a former family home. The guest house has five rooms, each with a name that gives a nod to the region. The rooms offer comfort, style and private bathrooms. The interior combines calm and elegance, with warm wooden floors, refined materials and modern art on the walls. From your room, enjoy views of the Deûle River. Or relax in the hotel's green garden. You can easily reach the centre of Lille on foot or by bike. In short, Les Toquées is the place for those looking for a stay that combines calm, charm and proximity to the city.
13 Rue d'Amiens
2. OKKO Hotels
A few minutes from the train station in Lille is OKKO Hotels, a four-star hotel with a stylish design. The interior features soft tones, wooden accents and furniture from top brands such as Ligne Roset and Vitra. In the communal club area, you can work, relax or enjoy free drinks and snacks. Local products play an important role here. Like Northern French cheeses and beers from regional breweries, giving the hotel an authentic flavour. The hotel combines luxury, local flavours and a central location for a relaxing city break in Lille.
With this slow travel city trip guide you will discover Lille like a local. Wondering what to do on your city break in Lille? Besides the well-known sights, you will find plenty of unique activities in Lille that will make your city experience unforgettable. Be surprised by hidden gems you would normally walk past. Venture out, taste the flavours, admire the details and let Lille surprise you in ways you didn't expect.
Love,
Babette
Les Toquées is a quiet and charming hotel by the river Deûle, while OKKO Hotels is a four-star hotel, centrally located and offering luxury and local products.
Be Bop on Rue Nicolas Leblanc offers vintage and second-hand fashion with items full of character. Mouflette sells unique home décor and lifestyle items
Tips are La Wilderie, a green café-restaurant, Petit Pois, a restaurant with bar and packaging-free shop, and La Clairière, a vegan and gluten-friendly restaurant with local products.
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