Although engulfed by industrial sprawl, the old heart of Lille is a pearl. The cobbled streets, which parade elegant 17th century Flemish architecture, are a hive of boutiques and good restaurants (tops for seafood is A l'Huitrière on rue des Chats Bossus) while the Palais Des Beaux Arts is rated as France's second most important museum after the Louvre. 
Recommended tour operator: VFB Holidays
VFB Holidays says
Lille is jam-packed with chic boutiques, impressive architecture, lively nightlife and all just 80 minutes from London St Pancras on Eurostar. As you might expect from the 2004 Capital of Culture, there is an impressive range of museums and galleries too; treasures in the Palais des Beaux Arts include masterpieces by Van Dyck, Rubens and Goya. We also recommend spending Sunday morning in the Wazemmes flower market.
The charming cobbled streets boast a fine selection of restaurants, brasseries and cafes, many of which feature traditional Flemish specialities. And, as it’s off the usual beaten track of city breaks, you’ll most likely find Lille pleasantly uncrowded at any time of year.
All VFB’s three-night short breaks to Lille include a comprehensive two-day city pass, giving free access to 20 of the city’s most popular attractions and to the public transport network as well. We offer a choice of three centrally-located hotels, and the price (from £158 pp) also includes travel on Eurostar™ from London or Kent. There is also a self-drive option via Calais.
The four star Hotel Carlton (top left) enjoys an unrivalled position overlooking the elegant Opera House, just a stone’s throw from the central square, with 60 spacious rooms featuring Louis XV period furniture. Close by is the three star Mercure Lille Centre-Opéra (top right) with traditional furnishings while the Hotel des Tours offers more modern accommodation in a small residential street close to vieux Lille , a short walk from the main square.
Click here for details and prices of VFB’s short breaks to Lille.
