Lille, France, is located in northern France, on the banks of the River Deûle, near the Belgian border. Lille is one hour from Paris and 80 minutes from London on the TGV high-speed train. In France, Lille, in the Nord-Pas de Calais region.
How to get there
Lille-Lesquin airport is located about 8 km from the center of Lille. An airport shuttle service (from gate A) takes you to the center of Lille in 20 minutes.
France has an in-depth rail system and Lille has two train stations located 400 meters apart. Lille Flandres station offers regional TER trains and direct TGV service to Paris, while Lille Europe station has Eurostar service to London and Brussels, TGV service to Roissy airport, Paris and major French cities.
Visiting the WWI battlefields around Lille
Lille, as the first stop on the French side of the canal tunnel, is a good place to visit if your main interest in the region is WWI battlefields. However, there are other places you can consider. Arras, an hour from Lille but with no direct trains, is actually a bit closer to many of the battlefields, while Bruges in Belgium also has WWI battlefield tours. You can also see a two-day battlefield tour from Paris.
These are some of the main battlefields near Lille:
- Somme: This was the largest battle on the Western Front where a million people were killed or injured. It is an hour’s drive from Lille. You can remember those who lost their lives on this Somme Battlefield Tour.
- Fromelles: This site saw the bloodiest battle in war history with Australian troops. You can learn more about what happened on this Battlefield Tour of Fromelles and Flanders.
- Vimy Ridge: This battlefield was a victory for largely Canadian troops. You can learn more about this Vimy Battlefield Tour from Lille.
- Ypres: One of the most famous battlefields, it was called “Wipers” by the troops at that time. There is no tour from Lille, but there is from nearby Arras via the Ypres Tour from Arras.
On the battle of Fromelles
The Battle of Fromelles, near Lille, was the first major battle on the Western Front with Australian troops. It is also considered the bloodiest 24 hours in Australian military history. On the night of July 19, 1916, 5,533 Australians and 1,547 English soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing. You can visit the monument to the Australians. German losses were estimated at less than 1,600 people.
For many, this battle was as tragic as it was futile. It was merely diversion from the great offensive battle on the Somme that was being fought some 50 miles to the south. The battle did not provide a strategic advantage or lasting benefit.
More things to do in the area
Lille is known for its narrow, cobbled streets with Flemish houses, lively cafes and elegant restaurants. It was designated as the ‘European City of Culture’ for 2004.
You’ll want to see the Gothic cathedral of Lille, the collection of paintings from the 15th to 20th centuries at the Museum of Fine Arts in Lyon, which the artists have designated as the second most important art museum after the Louvre in Paris, and the Place du Général de Gaulle, also known as the Grand Palace.
For a different perspective of Lille, go up the stairs of the bell tower and look at it from above. You can also cruise the streets of Lille in style in a classic 2CV convertible.
For a great example of Flemish Baroque by architect Julien Destrée, check out the Old Stock Exchange ( Vieille Bourse ).
The Hospice Comtesse Museum was founded as a hospital in 1237 by the Countess of Flanders, Jeanne de Flandre and remained as a hospital until 1939. Take a look at where the Augustinian nuns provided a haven for the sick, see some art, then get out and about. Visit the medicinal garden.
On the west side of Lille is the Citadelle de Lille , the Lille fortress, built around 1668 by Vauban and which was part of the city’s fortifications, most of which were dismantled towards the end of the 19th century. The Bois de Boulogne surrounds the Citadel and is popular with walkers and people with children. There is a well-managed zoo ( Parc Zoologique ) nearby.
Shoppers will want to stop at the Euralille Shopping Center or the Euralille Shopping Center located between the two train stations. There are 120 shops, restaurants and cafes that will compete for your money in this 1994 Rem Koolhaas classic.
Please note that many museums in Lille are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
For an interesting day trip from Lille, take the train to the nearby town of Lens, where you can see the new extension of the Louvre, called Louvre-Lens.
Public transport
Lille has two metro lines, two tram lines and about 60 bus lines. For the tourist, obtaining a Lille City Pass could be the best answer to transport needs, as it provides access to 28 tourist sites and attractions, as well as free use of the public transport system. You can get the pass at the tourist office.
Tourist office
The Lille Tourist Office is located in the Palais Rihour on Place Rihour. There are many tours that you can sign up for at the tourist office, including a souvenir tour, a city tour, a bike tour, and a guided walking tour of Old Lille. You can also book to climb the City Hall Bell Tower to see Lille and sign up for Segway tours.
Christmas market
Lille was the first city in France to offer a Christmas market. The market runs from mid-November to the end of December, and shops are even open on the three Sundays before Christmas. The Lille Christmas Market is located on Place Rihour.
Time and weather
Lille offers a very pleasant climate in the summer, although you can expect some rain, which intensifies in the fall. From June to August, the daily highs are in the 20s Celsius, which is around 70 ° F.
