Lille Welcomes Le Tour
Experience the Thrill: Tour de France Grand Départ 2025 in LilleJoin us in celebrating the world’s greatest cycling race starting in the heart of Lille
Bienvenue à Lille
Hi cycling fans. I’ve lived in Lille – well just outside in Templeuve-en-Pevele on the route of Paris-Roubaix – for a few years now. And, having edited and launched a lot of cycling magazines, hopefully, on this website, I can successfully combine my knowledge of Lille and the Tour! To your benefit.
Lille is a great city. Very close to Belgium; this is the heart of Flanders. Lille is the fifth-largest city in France, filled with a little over one million residents. It’s a vibrant city, the youngest, in terms of residents’ average age, in France; filled with further education colleges and universities. It’s home to some of France’s most famous companies; notably Decathlon, the world’s largest sporting retailer and Tour de France team sponsor!
Famous for its food and drink, this historic city has transformed itself over the last four decades, from a tired, grubby industrial town, into a modern European metropolis. Welcoming and friendly, you are sure of a fantastic time at the Tour de France Depart. Scroll down and click on the various tabs for more detailed information.
For many years I worked in the magazine world and have been editor of Cycling Weekly, Cycle Trader and Bicycle Action. I launched Cycle Sport, Procycling and Mountain Bike Rider magazines. It is my real hope that you will find the information useful and that it helps contribute to you having a great time at the Tour de France in July.
I’ve created a complimentary Facebook group, TDF-Lille-2025, for more up-to-date information closer to and during the Tour’s visit. You can find it here:
I’m happy to try and answer more specific questions, within reason! You can contact me via the contact tab on the website or via the Facebook group.
This website is entirely uncommercial. I have mentioned a couple of friends’ businesses, and I say so when I do, but there are no backhanders involved! If any advertising appears, which it might do, it’s up to you whether you click through or not!
Andy Sutcliffe. Lille. April 2025
Obviously, everyone has online maps! However, I thought this map was quite good for getting your bearings. The streets in yellow are the old town (Vieux Lille). The streets in pink are pedestrianised shopping streets. Think of Gare Lille-Flandres as your transport hub (the two metro lines intersect here, the tramlines terminate/start here, and there are lots of bus stops) and the two adjoining central squares (Grand’Place/Place Charles de Gaulle and Place du Théâtre), where the Team Introductions take place on July 5, as the centre of the city.
Experience the Grand Départ in Lille
The Tour de France 2025 kicks off in Lille, a city rich in history and culture. Join us for an unforgettable start to the world’s most famous cycling race. On July 5th, 2025, the Grand Départ will showcase Lille’s beautiful streets and the enthusiasm of its residents.
Join us in Lille
Countdown to the Grand Départ
Get ready! The world’s greatest cycling race begins in:
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Discover Lille
Lille, the vibrant capital of Flanders, is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere. Explore the charming old town, indulge in delicious French cuisine, and experience a unique mix of French and Flemish cultures.
Culture and History
Bars and Cafes
Dining
Shopping
Vieux Lille
Safety and Security
Plan your visit
How to Get Here?
Getting to and from Lille. Obviously, you’ll have booked what you’ve booked. Just some general observations. Gare Lille-Europe (Eurostar) is fairly central and on the Metro (line M2/red), about a three-minute walk/one Metro stop, from Gare Lille-Flandres, the regional hub. If you’re heading back on Eurostar, the actual international part of the station is quite small, so expect to queue. UK (and French) passport checks are done there. Once through, the lounge is small with a tiny ‘Relay’ shop: basic sandwiches, drinks, confectionary and cigarettes. No Duty Free.
If you’re travelling by bus (Flixbus, etc.) they stop and pick-up outside Lille-Europe.
By Road
If you’re arriving by ferry or Eurotunnel, it’s all fairly obvious. However, be aware that the major roads that approach and go through the city often have variable and/or constantly changing speed limits. So, you can quickly go from 130kph to 110 to 90 to 70. And there are lots of cameras which are quite hard to spot (Waze is pretty good). As stated earlier street parking in Lille is mostly paid for in the centre. And there are quite a few, very central, underground car parks, for example underneath Grand’Place.
Crit Air sticker. If you are bringing your car in the city you will need a Crit Air Vignette (pollution). You can purchase them online here: https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/
And remember post-Brexit the rules on passport validity are being enforced. Your passport must:
- have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive
- have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen (France) area
And at French border control, you may need to:
- show proof of your accommodation
- show proof of your travel insurance
- show a return or onward ticket
- prove that you have enough money for your stay
The new ETIAS/EAS visa system keeps being delayed. There is talk of some roll out starting in November, so no issue for Tour de France visitors.
Airports
Lille-Lesquin is the city’s airport. Not a major hub. The closest major airports are Brussel and Paris-CDG.
Where to stay ?
Hotels in the city center, budget options, and nearby accommodations
What to Bring ?
Comfortable walking shoes, event tickets, and your excitement!
Stay in the loop
How to Prepare for the Tour de France Grand Départ
Introduction Planning to attend the Grand Départ in Lille? Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your experience. 1. Book Your Accommodation Early Hotels fill up fast during the Tour de France. Choose a place close to the city center for easy access...
The Best Local Dishes to Try During Your Visit
Introduction No visit to Lille is complete without savoring its delicious cuisine. Discover the flavors of the region with these must-try dishes. 1. Carbonnade Flamande A hearty beef stew cooked with beer, onions, and spices, served with crispy fries. 2. Maroilles...
10 Must-See Landmarks in Lille
Introduction While visiting Lille for the Grand Départ, take time to explore the city’s unique landmarks. From historic architecture to vibrant markets, Lille has something for everyone. 1. The Grand Place The heart of Lille, this bustling square is surrounded by...