Vieux Lille, France: How to Reach, Things to Do & More

Vieux Lille (Old Lille) is one of the historic, charming old towns within the largest city, Lille, in northern France. When I first step in, its cobblestone streets, Flemish-style buildings, colorful facades, and hidden courtyards that feel alive and timeless, quickly draw me in. 

While strolling around the historic quarters, I can sense a seamless combination of medieval heritage and modern energy at every corner. Most importantly, I’m amazed by how Vieux Lille offers something to every traveler, from charming cafés, art galleries, boutique shops, and exceptional local cuisines; it truly has so much to offer. 

Therefore, if you are planning to visit this delightful town, read on to discover all possible details regarding this to make the most of your vacation while preventing any sort of inconvenience. 

A Quick Overview of Vieux Lille 

Vieux Lille, the heart of Lille, is one of the most beautiful cities in France. Exploring it feels like stepping into a living museum that presents the perfect mixture of historic beauty and modern aesthetic. Its vibrant atmosphere, compact, walkable area make it an ideal gateway for both short-trip seekers and extended stays. 

Below, I’ve listed some major reasons that I discovered for why one must visit this heavenly town in France. Check them out. 

1. The Vieux Lille has colorful facades and historic Flemish architecture, which makes you feel like you are wandering back in the 17th century. 

2. This place also features numerous charming cafés, estaminets, and fine eating spots. 

3. You can shop for the beautiful, customized dresses in the traditional boutiques and nearby local markets. 

4. There’s so much to explore in Vieux Lille, as it’s home to several museums, art galleries, and hidden courtyards. 

5. It has a walkable street where you can stroll around easily with a relaxing ambiance.

How to Reach Vieux Lille?

In this section, I’ve mentioned the different routes to reach Vieux Lille. Check them out and decide which will suit you more. 

Google Map Directions of Vieux Lille: 

1. By Air: Book your flight to the Lille Airport (LIL) or to the major Paris airport (CDG/Orly), from where you have to take a connecting train to Lille. 

2. By Train: Take a direct, fast Eurostar train service that runs from London St. Pancras to Lille, Europe and takes 90 minutes to reach. 

3. By Personal Car: From Calais, you can drive to Lille. It will take around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach there. Furthermore, there are public ferries available. 

Also Read: United Kingdom Travel Guide: What to do, Where to Stay & More

What is the Best Time to Visit Vieux Lille? 

Evidently, Vieux Lille is a beautiful town that delivers a stunning experience throughout the year. However, none of them can match each other’s vibe; thus, you must be clear about what you want to expect there. 

Below, I’ve mentioned a simple seasonal breakdown from my experience. Take a thorough look and learn more about this precisely. 

1. Spring (April-June): Late spring is the most ideal time to visit this old town of Lille. These days, the temperature is mild, with blooming landscapes, a vibrant atmosphere, and longer sunny days, so that you can easily wander around and explore as much as you want.

2. Summer (July-August): Although the weather is a bit hot, this place is gorgeous and exciting to explore. This is the peak season time, attracting hundreds of tourists through its blooming flowers and magnificent historic places. 

3. Autumn (September-November): A perfect time to attend the spectacular art fairs like Art Up! Notably, with the falling colors and excessive rainfall, the Vieux Lille delivers a heavenly atmosphere, making it perfect for those who are seeking a relaxing break. 

4. Winter (December-February): During these months, the town is filled with the dazzling festive vibe, as there are Christmas and New Year celebrations going on. Along with a thriving atmosphere, you can enjoy the mulled wine and unique craftwork. 

Thus, the best time to visit the Vieux Lille entirely depends on your preferences and expectations from your Paris travel. 

What are the Top Attractions of the Vieux Lille? 

Along with wandering around its charming cobbled streets, I’ve visited several historic places, including Grande Place (Place du Général de Gaulle), Vieille Bourse, Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral, and the rest. 

Let’s take a look at each of the tourist destinations I visited during my Vieux Lille trip individually. 

1. Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

My first stop at Vieux Lille was Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle). Honestly, I think it is one of the bustling central areas of this old town. With colorful buildings, spirited cafés & restaurants, and monuments like the Goddess statue, there is so much to explore here. 

Location: Pl. du Général de Gaulle, 59800 Lille, France

Ideal Hours: 6–7 hours 

2. La Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange)

Next, I went to the La Vielle Bourse (Old Stock Exchange). This is a formerly operational building of the Lille Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Holding such spectacular historic significance, its Flemish Renaissance architecture illuminates the majority of the territory. Here, I shopped for numerous old books and collectibles, sipped a hot coffee in the charming restaurant, and enjoyed local dances & games. 

Location: Pl. du Général de Gaulle, 59000 Lille, France

Ideal Hours: 3–4 hours

3. Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral

The Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church, a perfect example of Gothic Revival architecture, and is considered one of the most significant national monuments. I’m amazed by its modernist, unfinished front, made of translucent marble, which allows light to filter in, delivering a unique, distinct glowing effect. 

Location: Pl. Gilleson, 59800 Lille, France

Ideal Hours: 3–4 hours 

4. Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse

A former hospice built in the 15th–16th century is now open as a museum, making it one of the famous tourist attractions in Vieux Lille. If you are someone like me who loves to explore more and more about ancient period architecture, this place is worth trying. Here, I literally got stunned by the magnificent interior structure dating back centuries. 

Location: 32 Rue de la Monnaie, 59800 Lille, France

Ideal Hours: 3–4 hours

5. Méert

I wrapped up my Vieux Lille vacation with the last stop, Méert. This is a famous, historic tea room, established in 1864. However, the only reason to visit this place was to taste their iconic waffles and other traditional confectionery. Honestly, after devouring their items, I can confidently say your trip to France is incomplete if you haven’t experienced this. 

Location: 25-27 Rue Esquermoise, 59000 Lille, France

Ideal Hours: 3–4 hours 

Where to Dine & Accommodate in Vieux Lille? 

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the Vieux Lille is home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and beautifully structured hotels. No matter which part of this town you are in, there will be various dining and lodging options available for you. 

In the sections below, I’ve illustrated the places where I spend my vacations. Take a look. 

1. Best Eateries in Vieux Lille

Here are some outstanding places that not only serve delicious dishes but also take proper care of hygiene and customer care. Give it a quick scan.

S. No.	Restaurant Name	Timings	Location	Popular Dishes to Try
1	Estaminet La CH’TITE BRIGITTE	11:45 AM – 10:30 PM (Daily)	10 rue des Bouchers, 59800 Lille, France	Tarte Au Sucre Welsh Au Sablé De Wissant Cramique Perdue
2	Les Fils à Maman Lille	12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM	41 rue de Gand, 59000 Lille, France	Cheeseburger Des Fistons Effiloché De Porc Crème Brûlée
3	Estaminet Au Vieux De La Vieille	12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM	2 rue des Vieux Murs, 59800 Lille, France	La Flamanderole Café Gourmand Croquettes Au Maroilles
4	Table N9uf	12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 6:45 PM – 9:30 PM	9 Pl. du Concert, 59800 Lille, France	Crumble Chocolat Fruits Rouges Welsh Burger Foie Gras Maison
5	La Petite Table	11:30 AM – 9:30 PM Closed: Monday and Sunday	59 rue de la Monnaie, 59000 Lille, France	Welsh Champignons Forestiers Sauce Maroilles Ou Poivre Speculoos Dessert

2. Comfortable Accommodations in Vieux Lille

Below are some recommended hotel options that are not just comfortable, clean, and full of useful amenities but also affordable. 

S.No.	Accommodation Name	Location	Pricing	Amenities
1	Au Chat Qui Dort Lille—Magasin	11 rue du Magasin, 59800 Lille, France	$102 (for 2 adults)	Air conditioning Pet-friendly Wheelchair Accessible Smoke-Free Free Wi-Fi
2	Chambre Privée Place Aux Oignons	4 Place aux Oignons, Vieux-Lille, Lille, France	$107 (for 2 adults)	Free Wi-Fi Elevator Cable TV Crib Ironing board
3	Character Apartment	Vieux-Lille, Lille, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France, France	$149 (for 2 adults)	Kid-Friendly Oven Stove Free Wi-Fi Washer Cable TV
4	Unique Apartment	Vieux-Lille, Lille, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France, France	$160 (for 2 adults)	Smoke-Free Ironing Board Oven Stove Cable TV Kid-Friendly
5	Hôtel L’Arbre Voyageur Lille	45 Bd Carnot, 59800 Lille, France	$157 (for 2 adults)	Free Wi-Fi Air Conditioning Breakfast Parking Kid-Friendly

What are the Best Things to Do in Vieux Lille? 

From strolling around Vieux Lille’s cobblestone streets to exploring the ancient buildings, there are many things to do that you can consider performing during your trip to this mesmerizing old town. For instance: 

1. Wander in Cobblestone Streets: Take a day out and walk in the streets that have prominently become the identity of the Vieux Lille. Witness the perfect combination of ancient-centric structured building with modern amenities. Capture your moments and have a great day soaking in its soothing atmosphere. 

2. Visit the Historic Places: This town is home to numerous historic buildings, monuments, ancient churches, and different art galleries. Accordingly, spend your time learning the beauty and history of France and make the most of your Paris vacation. 

3. Savor Traditional Food: Vieux Lille heartily serves various sorts of Flemish appetizers, such as Carbonade Flamande, Le Welsh, Potjevleesch, and many more. So, always stop at different cafes and restaurants so you never miss a chance to try their delicious items.  

4. Shopping: This is one of my favorite parts of the trip. There are countless shops and small vendors selling unique craftwork items, handmade materials, and aesthetic decor items. I’ve spent my thousands on purchasing souvenirs for my loved ones without any regret. 

Hence, whether you are an amateur historian or just seeking a peaceful place to escape from the city’s buzz and stress, Vieux Lille has a lot to offer you. 

Some Beneficial Travel Tips for the Vieux Lille Trip

After learning enough about this wonderful town, here are some important guidelines for you that I’ve learned from my experience. Determine them thoroughly to prevent all kinds of inconvenience on your trip. 

1. Pack Less: Avoid overpackaging and only keep essential things with you to have a smooth experience on your trip. 

2. Currency/Payments: If you are living in a country with a different currency from Lille, ensure you keep enough cash with you for your travel. Remember, exchange them in authorized places or banks to get the best price. Moreover, keep your ATM card (debit & credit) to make payments directly from your bank and never be short of money. 

3. Do Advance Bookings: From travel to accommodations, make bookings in advance to prevent last-minute chaos. 

4. Safety and Precautions: Beware of petty crimes, do not trust strangers with your belongings, stay connected to your tour guides, and always be cautious about your surroundings. 

5. Responsibility and Etiquette: Apart from the safety metrics, there are some essential responsibilities that you should be mindful of. For instance, do not litter in public, respect certain restrictions, do not breach locals’ privacy, and take permission before taking pictures of the residential area. 

In essence, just by keeping the aforementioned measures, you can not only enjoy your trip to Vieux Lille heartily but also be safeguarded from unknown risks. 

Bottom Line 

In a nutshell, my trip to the Vieux Lille was a great success, as I not only enjoyed a relaxing and calming break from my hectic schedule but also got so much to explore and learn. 

So, after learning everything about this place, what are you waiting for? Go to the new tab in your browser, book tickets and a hotel, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the mesmerizing beauty that is already waiting for you there!

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