5 day itinerary for Lille

Itinerary

Lille is a charming city in northern France that is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Lille:

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

• Start your day by exploring the historic center of Lille, which is home to many beautiful buildings and landmarks such as the Grand Place, the Old Stock Exchange, and the Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral.
• Take a stroll through the charming streets of Vieux Lille, which is known for its picturesque houses and quaint shops.
• Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, which is one of the largest art museums in France and houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.
• End your day by enjoying a delicious dinner at one of Lille's many restaurants, where you can try local specialties such as carbonnade flamande (beef stew) or moules-frites (mussels and fries).

Day 2: Museums and Gardens

• Start your day by visiting the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse, which is a former hospital that now houses a museum dedicated to the history of Lille.
• Next, head to the Jardin des Plantes, which is a beautiful botanical garden that is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
• In the afternoon, visit the La Piscine Museum in nearby Roubaix, which is housed in a former Art Deco swimming pool and features a collection of art and design objects.
• End your day by enjoying a drink at one of Lille's many bars or cafes, where you can soak up the city's lively atmosphere.

Day 3: Day Trip to Bruges

• Take a day trip to the charming city of Bruges in Belgium, which is just a short train ride from Lille.
• Explore the city's beautiful canals, historic buildings, and charming streets, and be sure to try some of the famous Belgian chocolate and beer.
• Return to Lille in the evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the city's many restaurants.

Day 4: Shopping and Culture

• Start your day by visiting the La Vieille Bourse, which is a beautiful 17th-century building that now houses a book market.
• Next, head to the Euralille shopping center, which is home to many high-end shops and boutiques.
• In the afternoon, visit the Musée d'Art Moderne in Villeneuve d'Ascq, which features a collection of modern and contemporary art.
• End your day by enjoying a delicious dinner at one of Lille's many restaurants, where you can try local specialties such as welsh (a cheesy dish) or potjevleesch (a meat terrine).

Day 5: Food and Wine

• Start your day by visiting the Wazemmes Market, which is a bustling market that sells fresh produce, cheese, and other local specialties.
• Next, head to the Maison de la Bière, which is a bar that specializes in local beers and offers tastings and tours.
• In the afternoon, visit the Château de Flers, which is a beautiful castle that now houses a winery and offers tours and tastings.
• End your day by enjoying a delicious dinner at one of Lille's many restaurants, where you can try local specialties such as maroilles cheese or tarte au sucre (sugar pie).

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Lille!