A weekend in Lille
Once the back-to-school period is over, the excitement gives way to the blues and a September that drags on. An escape for a weekend is the solution to counter the return of this dull routine - why not choose Lille? As a European metropolis and student city, it is ideal for a weekend with family or friends.
Once the back-to-school period is over, the excitement gives way to the blues and a September that drags on. An escape for a weekend is the solution to counter the return of this dull routine - why not choose Lille? As a European metropolis and student city, it is ideal for a weekend with family or friends.
Fancy some fresh air?
The many parks and gardens in Lille will allow those who wish to enjoy the outdoors despite the arrival of autumn. There is the Jardin des Plantes to the south of Lille, then the Jean Baptiste Lebas park which features children’s play areas, the Vauban Garden and the Citadelle. The latter offers several family activities: walks in a magnificent wooded area relatively close to the city centre, tree-top climbing for children (accessible to adults only from 2019), a zoological park. With its cobblestones, the ancient style of its architecture, which remained intact despite the industrial revolution, its many luxury shops (Hermès, Repetto, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton…) and local products, strolling through Vieux Lille is one of the must-do activities!
The area between Vieux Lille and Place de la République is also worth a visit: Flemish architecture on the Grand-Place and Place Rihour, numerous shops and cafés. A must-see is the Vieille Bourse, which hosts a daily second-hand book market. The Wazemmes district is quite different; located to the south-west of Lille, it is known for its Sunday market and cosmopolitan population. Outside Lille city centre, there are other equally pleasant places: the Fiche Gourmande in Lille Fives, which combines street food and artistic or musical events, or the Marcel Dhénin educational farm near the Lille Europe station metro stop. Finally, it is impossible to talk about Lille in September without mentioning the famous Braderie de Lille, recognised throughout Europe, which lasts two days starting from 1st September this year. On the evening of the Braderie, Lille’s rue Massena (“rue de la soif” or “thirst street” to locals) is invaded by crowds - advice for partygoers! More generally, for those wanting to enjoy a drink with friends in a friendly atmosphere, head to rue Massena, Solférino or the bars in Vieux Lille.
For those who prefer to stay indoors:
Lille certainly has no shortage of shops, and a successful shopping day in Lille cannot be complete without visiting the Euralille shopping centre (this is an opportunity to stay indoors if the autumn weather demands it!). For culture lovers, they can take refuge in the city’s various museums: the Palais des Beaux-Arts on Place de la République, which offers workshop visits or conferences. It is located less than ten minutes on foot from the Natural History Museum, which itself is separated by the Jean-Baptiste Lebas park from the former Saint-Sauveur station, which hosts numerous temporary exhibitions. Further away, between Euralille and Lille Flandres station, the Tripostal showcases exclusively contemporary art; in September, the SportFoto event takes place, aiming to discover the various photographic exhibitions in the city while highlighting Lille’s clubs. It is also possible to attend shows or concerts in various venues; Sébastopol Theatre hosts the international short film festival on 16th and 23rd September 2018; Nouveau Siècle, Zenith and Lille Opera also host shows and concerts. Family or student passes are available for purchase on the websites of the various venues and museums.
Where to eat:
The type of dining varies by district: in Vieux Lille, you will find more local and refined cuisine (higher price range). You must visit Méert in Vieux Lille both to taste the iconic waffles from the House, as well as for the restaurant and tea room. On the Grand-Place and Place Rihour, there are cafés and gastronomic brasseries, but also all the fast-food chains (more or less healthy) for tighter budgets; descending from the Grand-Place towards République via rue Neuve and rue de Béthune, you will have a wide choice of confectionery and takeaway waffles/crêpes/croustillons. Solférino street is a hub for Asian restaurants (although these can easily be found elsewhere). And for brunch, Le Mother, located slightly below Saint-Sauveur opposite the Jean-Baptiste Lebas park, is ideal.
Museum and performance venue programming:
Lille3000 (Tripostal and Saint-Sauveur)
