Lille
Located in the north of France, just an hour’s drive from the ferry port in Calais or a quick jaunt on a high-speed Eurostar train from Paris, Lille boasts a unique blend of Flemish flair and French elegance. From the charming Vieux Lille, with its maze of cobblestone streets and excellent boutiques, to the more lively student neighbourhoods and first-rate shopping facilities, families will find Lille particularly accessible thanks to its excellent rail links and efficient transport system. Lille is a relatively compact destination, making it easy to explore on little legs or with strollers. Lille may not have the pull of Paris, but it shouldn't be overlooked.
Hotel Up Lille
A modern and extremely friendly hotel right in the centre of Lille, Hotel Up is a desirable and very luxurious point from which to start exploring the city.
Just a stone’s throw from Lille’s train stations, the modern 4-star Hotel Up offers designer comfort and excellent value for families. The friendly staff will go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need and the hotel is conveniently located for exploring the city from its very...
Baby-friendly / Pre-Teen friendly / Summer Sun / See this Hotel & Book »
Hotel Casino Barriere de Lille
Hotel Casino Barriere de Lille is a modern and five-star central Lille option just a hop from the EuroLille train station.
Hotel Casino Barriere de Lille is conveniently located near the EuroLille train station, making the modern five-star hotel the perfect base for a weekend getaway. The rooms are not extravagant, but they are well appointed and reasonably priced. The hotel is only a short walk from the city centre, so once you’re...
Baby-friendly / Family-friendly Spa / Pre-Teen friendly / See this Hotel & Book »
Couvent des Minimes
Located in a former convent, this 17th century beauty is, today, one of the finest hotels in a Lille and a perfect family-friendly option.
Just at the edge of the Vieux Lille near the Citadel, Couvent des Minimes is located in a former 17th century convent and is, today, one of the city’s finest...
Baby-friendly / Pre-Teen friendly / Summer Sun / See this Hotel & Book »
L’Hermitage Gantoise Lille
Set within a 15th century hospice, the L'Hermitage Gantois hotel has been beautifully restored to offer modern luxury within ancient walls.
Situated in a former hospice that dates back to the 15th Century, the beautiful L'Hermitage Gantoise Lille is an eye-pleasing blend of old and new, with period features showcased alongside modern art. It’s a just a short walk from the centre and backs onto a private...
Baby-friendly / Family-friendly Spa / Pre-Teen friendly / See this Hotel & Book »Ch’ti Bello
98 Rue de Saint-André
An interesting blend of Italian and tradition Flemish cuisine, Ch’ti Bello is a local favourite and a great option for families. Ch’ti Bello allows you to create your own pizza, salad or Flammekueche, a traditional cream-based pizza, with a wide selection of toppings. There is a specific children’s menu with a wide variety of options to please every taste.
Au Vieux de la Vieille
2-4 Rue des Vieux Murs
Located in the picturesque Vieux Lille, this traditional estaminet, Au Vieux de la Vieille, is a local sort of brasserie, which offers a good range of regional specialties, such as Carbonnade Flamand and Potjevleesch. There’s a good selection of local beers and even some regional dessert options.
Maison Meert, Lille
27 rue Esquermoise
This eye-pleasing shop in Lille, Maison Meert, will appeal to the whole family with its beautiful creations, from the véritable gaufre de Lille, a delicate vanilla-filled waffle, to the endless elaborate chocolate confections. Meert’s opulent tearoom is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon treat with tea, coffee or hot chocolate for les enfants.
The Beaux-Arts Museum, Lille
Check out the Beaux-Arts museum, the largest museum in France outside of Paris, which houses an extensive collection of paintings. The museum hosts regular events for children, including story times, family trails and workshops.
The Citadel and the Zoo
Take in some exercise and fresh air around the Citadel and enjoy the free zoo. Le Zoo de Lille.
Shopping on the Vieux Lille
For shopping, head to the Vieux Lille, with its quaint boutiques and épiceries that will surely please all foodies.
The Opera House
Don’t miss the city’s stunning neo-classical opera house, which hosts regularly organized special programmes for children.
About
For medical emergencies dial 15 from any phone. For fire services the number is 18 and 17 for the police. Health care is not free in France, so be sure to take out insurance before you travel. If it’s not an emergency, pop into your local pharmacy, where they can advise you on medicines or even call a doctor on your behalf.
When to go
Lille makes for a great destination any time of the year but this northern city is particularly charming in the lead up to Christmas, when the annual marché de Noël takes over the central squares with its quaint chalets, giant Ferris Wheel and carousel. Both young and old will delight in the bright lights and cheerful decorations, as well as the abundance of seasonal treats on offer.
Currency
Euro
Language
French