LILLE TOP TEN
Discover Our StoriesMake the Most of Your Visit to Lille
Here for a quick visit, centred on the Tour’s Grand Depart? Don’t make it just about the cycling! Here’s my Top Ten ‘must dos’ in Lille. Obviously it’s a personal take, and it was very hard not to include The Louvre-Lens which is truly world class. But my ten it is!
La Piscine – Musée d’Art et d’Industrie André Diligent
Just a short tram ride from Lille, La Piscine in Roubaix is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and architecture buffs alike. Housed in a former Art Deco swimming pool built between 1927 and 1932, this unique museum offers a stunning blend of industrial heritage and artistic flair.
The museum’s centrepiece is the preserved pool, now a luminous gallery where sculptures bask in natural light streaming through vibrant stained-glass windows. Wander through exhibits showcasing textiles, ceramics, and fine arts, including works by renowned artists like Camille Claudel, Picasso and Auguste Rodin.
After exploring, relax at the on-site restaurant operated by the famed Méert patisserie, offering delightful treats in the original cafeteria setting with a view of the serene inner garden.
La Piscine is open Tuesday to Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm, Friday until 8 pm, and weekends from 1 pm to 6 pm. Please note, the museum is closed on Mondays and certain public holidays, including July 14.
Whether you’re taking a break from the Tour de France excitement or seeking cultural enrichment, La Piscine offers a refreshing and inspiring experience.
Villa Cavrois – A Modernist Gem in the Suburbs of Lille
Just a short tram ride from Lille city centre, Villa Cavrois in Croix is a hidden treasure for lovers of architecture and design. Built in 1932 by renowned modernist architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, this striking yellow-brick mansion was commissioned by industrialist Paul Cavrois as a cutting-edge family home — and it still turns heads today.
From the moment you step inside, you’re swept into the glamorous spirit of the early 20th century. The interiors are all clean lines, marble floors, polished wood, and sleek, Art Deco elegance.
Even more impressive? The villa was way ahead of its time, boasting modern comforts like central heating, electric lighting, and a built-in sound system — all designed to make life effortlessly stylish.
After falling into disrepair, the villa has been beautifully restored to its former glory. You can wander through grand salons, pristine bathrooms, and the children’s wing, all laid out just as the family once lived. With its manicured gardens and peaceful setting, it’s a brilliant day trip for anyone visiting Lille during the Tour de France — a refreshing dose of culture, style, and quiet sophistication.
Tuck into Tradition – Dining at a Lillois Estaminet
After a day of cheering on cyclists and exploring Lille’s cobbled streets, there’s nothing quite like settling into a traditional estaminet — the beating heart of northern French cuisine. These cosy, rustic taverns are dotted all over the city, each one brimming with character, hearty food, and old-world charm.
Step inside and you’ll likely be greeted by wooden beams, vintage bric-a-brac, and the mouthwatering aroma of comfort food. The menu is a celebration of Flemish-inspired dishes: think carbonnade flamande (beef stewed in beer), potjevleesch (a chilled terrine of meats in vinegar jelly), or a generous plate of Welsh rarebit dripping with local cheese and ale.
Pair your meal with a locally brewed bière and finish off with a tart made from seasonal fruit — or maybe just another helping of frites. The vibe is unpretentious, warm, and wonderfully authentic.
Eating at an estaminet isn’t just about the food — it’s about soaking up the culture, chatting with locals, and feeling like you’ve been let in on one of Lille’s best-kept secrets.
As you can see from our Estaminets page there’s a lot of choice, but I’ll stick my neck out and say if you try one head for La Ch’Tite Brigitte.
A Stroll Around the Citadel – Nature and History Hand in Hand
Need a breather from the buzz of the Tour de France? Take a leisurely stroll around Lille’s Citadel – a peaceful green haven just a stone’s throw from the city centre. Designed by the famous military engineer Vauban in the 17th century, this star-shaped fortress is still used by the French army today, but its leafy surroundings are wide open to the public.
Nicknamed the ‘Queen of Citadels’, it’s more than just a historic landmark. The wooded park that encircles the fort is perfect for walking, jogging, or simply lazing in the sun with a good coffee.
You’ll meander past moats, drawbridges, shady tree-lined paths, and spot the occasional heron or squirrel. It’s an oasis of calm — especially lovely on a warm July afternoon.
There’s even a little zoo nearby (free entry!), perfect if you’re travelling with kids or just fancy saying hello to a few curious lemurs. Whether you’re after a scenic run, a romantic wander, or just somewhere to unwind, the Citadel’s peaceful paths are a brilliant way to recharge between race stages.
Afternoon Tea at Méert – A Lille Tradition Not to Be Missed
If you’re in Lille for the Tour de France and fancy a sweet break from all the cycling action, there’s no better spot than Méert — a local institution that’s been delighting visitors since 1761. Tucked away on Rue Esquermoise in the heart of the Old Town, this iconic pâtisserie and tearoom is a feast for the senses.
Méert is best known for its heavenly waffles — thin, golden, and filled with Madagascan vanilla — a treat so famous that even French presidents and literary greats have been known to indulge.
But the real magic happens when you settle in for afternoon tea. Served in elegant 19th-century surroundings, it’s a glorious spread of delicate pastries, rich hot chocolate, and fragrant teas that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Whether you’re resting your feet or fuelling up for more sightseeing, Méert offers the perfect pause — indulgent, elegant, and uniquely Lillois. It’s not just afternoon tea; it’s a little slice of history with a dollop of whipped cream.
Exploring the Vieux Bourse – Secondhand Books, Cycling Magazines and Postcards Galore
A visit to Lille wouldn’t be complete without wandering through the Vieux Bourse (Old Stock Exchange), one of the city’s most beautiful and historic landmarks. This stunning 17th-century building, with its ornate façades and elegant courtyards, is not just a place for history lovers; it’s also a hidden treasure trove for anyone who enjoys a bit of browsing.
Inside the courtyard, you’ll find a lively secondhand book market, with stacks of old books, postcards, and magazines waiting to be explored. If you’re a cycling fan, this is a prime spot to pick up some vintage cycling magazines, maybe even some back issues of the legendary L’Équipe or local Tour de France memorabilia.
The atmosphere here is relaxed and charming, with bookstalls spilling over with everything from historical novels to travel guides, plus piles of postcards showing the best of Lille and the surrounding area.
As you flip through the pages or thumb through the postcards, take a moment to admire the beautiful architecture of the Vieux Bourse itself — a lovely blend of Flemish and French styles, with intricate stonework and stunning, iron-wrought windows. It’s the perfect way to slow down, soak in the city’s rich history, and maybe pick up a few souvenirs to take home.
A Stroll Through Vieux-Lille – Cobblestones, Colour and Charm
Lille’s Old Town — or Vieux-Lille as the locals call it — is an absolute gem and the perfect place for a lazy summer wander. With its narrow cobbled streets, pastel-coloured façades, and ornate Flemish architecture, it feels like stepping into a storybook (with a chic French twist, of course).
Start at the Grand’Place, then meander through winding lanes lined with boutiques, chocolate shops, galleries, and cosy cafés just begging you to pause for a coffee or an ice cream. There’s beauty around every corner — from hidden courtyards and vintage bookshops to the stunning Notre-Dame de la Treille cathedral, with its bold modern façade and cool, peaceful interior.
In July, the atmosphere is especially lively. Locals sip drinks on sunny terraces, buskers play jazz in the squares, and the city buzzes with Tour de France energy. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to get lost in — camera in hand, pastry in the other.
Whether you’re into shopping, people-watching or simply soaking up the charm, a stroll through Vieux-Lille is pure northern French magic.
Remember to check out our mapped walk here on the dedicated Vieux Lille page.
Moules-Frites at Brasserie de la Paix – A Classic Lille Experience
When in Lille during the Tour de France, indulging in a plate of moules-frites is practically a rite of passage, and there’s no better place to do so than at Brasserie de la Paix. Located on the bustling Place Rihour, this iconic brasserie has been serving locals and visitors alike for decades, offering a taste of traditional French cuisine in a charming Art Deco setting.
The star of the menu is undoubtedly the moules-frites. Choose between the classic marinière, where mussels are steamed with white wine, shallots, and herbs, or the creamy version for a richer indulgence.
Each generous serving is accompanied by a heap of crispy, golden fries, perfect for soaking up the flavourful broth.
Beyond the moules-frites, Brasserie de la Paix boasts an array of seafood delights, from fresh oysters to an impressive choucroute de la mer. The attentive service and lively atmosphere make it an ideal spot to relax and refuel after a day of cycling excitement.
So, pull up a chair, order a refreshing local beer or a glass of crisp white wine, and savour the quintessential Lille dining experience.
A Beer on a Terrace – Soaking Up Lille’s Summer Buzz
There’s nothing quite like sipping a cold beer on a sunny terrace in Lille, especially with the July sun high in the sky and the city buzzing with Tour de France energy. Whether you’re near the Grand Place or tucked into a quieter side street, you’ll find countless bars spilling out onto pavements with cheerful chatter, clinking glasses, and the comforting hum of a city in full summer swing.
Lille takes its beer seriously — this is northern France, after all — so whether you go for a crisp blonde, a fruity local brew, or something a bit more adventurous, you’re in very good hands.
Order a bowl of olives or some local cheese to nibble on, sit back, and enjoy the view.
For an especially lovely spot, make your way to the Parvis de la Treille — the square in front of the striking Notre-Dame de la Treille cathedral. It’s a quieter corner of the Old Town, with a few relaxed bars and cafés offering a peaceful place to unwind, people-watch, and admire the cathedral’s unique blend of Gothic and modern design. It’s the perfect pause between sightseeing — or cycling stages!
Putting my money where my mouth is!
Discovering and Tasting at Aux Merveilleux de Fred – A Sweet Delight
If you’re a fan of sweet treats, then a visit to Aux Merveilleux de Fred is an absolute must when in Lille. This charming pâtisserie is famous for its eponymous merveilleux — a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that will have you coming back for more.
The merveilleux is a simple yet stunning creation: two meringue layers, filled with velvety whipped cream and then coated in more meringue or chocolate shavings. The result is a light, airy, and indulgent dessert that’s a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
The best part? You can enjoy it in all kinds of variations, from classic vanilla to luxurious chocolate or praline.
Located in the heart of Lille, the shop’s inviting atmosphere is the perfect place to savour this local speciality. Watch as the chefs expertly prepare the merveilleux right in front of you, and enjoy the cozy, Parisian-style ambiance of the patisserie. Whether you’re popping in for a quick sweet bite or settling in for a leisurely treat, Aux Merveilleux de Fred is the ideal place to end your day of exploring Lille’s sights — especially if you’re in need of a pick-me-up after a day of Tour de France excitement.
