Close to the border with Belgium and just an hour by TGV from Paris, Lille is a thriving university town with myriad cultural attractions and a lively evening scene. As the third-largest river port in France, the city grew as a trading centre for French Flanders, and has a fascinating identity, including unique cuisine and architecture. Accommodation options, generally clustered around charming Vieux Lille, are chic and characterful. Chosen for their location, style and amenities, our pick of the best places to stay in Lille promises something for everyone.

Begin your explorations in Vieux Lille, where you can expect pedestrianised cobbled streets studded with 17th-century brick townhouses. Admire the heritage buildings lining Grand Place, visit the elegant colonnaded Old Stock Exchange to pick up vinyl and books, or pop into the tourist office in the 15th-century Palais Rihour. Marvel at sprawling city views from atop the Hôtel de Ville’s belfry, before stepping in to Notre Dame de la Treille. Museum-goers will adore the impressive collections on display at the Palais des Beaux Arts and La Piscine Musée d’Art et d’Industrie. The old town is bursting with galleries, boutiques, outdoor markets, cafés and eateries, too.

As day gives way to evening, join Lille’s residents at the bars of Rue Royale and Rue Doudin, before catching a gig at Le Splendid or sipping microbrewery Célestin’s craft beers at La Capsule. A fabulous destination for a city break, Lille offers a seemingly endless array of events and attractions. Check out the latest festivals and exhibitions through Lille3000 or speak to the teams at the best places to stay in Lille for their recommendations.

The Best Places to Stay in Lille

For an Intimate B&B

• La Maison du Champlain is a chic little B&B with four swish guest suites. Expect contemporary interiors tucked within a 150-year-old building, perfect for relaxing in absolute tranquility. The spa, complete with sauna, hot tub and hammam, is a highlight.
• L'Esplanade, in the historic heart of town, has bright rooms and suites with city views and all the mod-cons. Showcasing modern artworks by a selection of artists, this is a trendy B&B for well-heeled culture aficionados. Close to the main sights and excellent eateries.

For City Style

• OKKO Hotel is a bright, Scandi-inspired hotel on a pedestrianised shopping street. Expect airy rooms and suites with slick designer interiors, a lively Club Room with a café-bar, and friendly staff on hand throughout the day. The complimentary evening tapas and apéritifs are brilliant for sociable travellers.
• Mama Shelter Lille embodies the quirky retro-chic style for which this groovy hotel group is known. Great for families and groups of friends, the hotel's inviting XXL rooms offer flexible spaces for multiple guests. The arcade games, weekend DJ nights and buzzy evenings by the firepit will appeal to fun-loving guests of all ages. Just east of Vieux Lille.
• L'Arbre Voyageur is a sleek city pad with bold, jungle-themed wallpapers and warm mustard and sea-blue upholstery. The hotel's steel-bar frontage is a real stand-out in a city famed for its historic buildings; this is a fresh, zingy choice. Gather at Ma Reine Bar or Restaurant Jane for gourmet fare in the evenings. One for well-heeled explorers.

For Romantic Luxury

• Clarance Hotel began life as an 18th-century merchant's townhouse. This elegant property is now a sophisticated boutique hotel with indulgent rooms and suites, just ten minutes from Grand Place. A beautiful choice for a romantic getaway, the hotel boasts a walled garden, wood-panelled library and Michelin-starred restaurant. Exceptional.

For Great Value

• La Villa Carrée is an elegant, ten bedroom guesthouse with contemporary rooms and suites clad in a soothing white-on-white palette. Slightly south-west of Vieux Lille, this is a romantic yet affordable spot.
• La Ferme Blanche is a simple 18th-century farmhouse on the outskirts of Lille. Pick this place for the tranquil atmosphere and the flexible room options. A well-priced choice for those seeking to combining exploring the city with cycling through the countryside or unwinding in the gardens.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY House

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Lille Airport and travel into the city by shuttle or taxi. If you're coming from the UK, the Eurostar, TGV through Paris or ferry via Calais or Dunkirk are affordable and straightforward.
• France's Nord region is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Expect temperatures to range between 15 and 23°C in the warmer months. Summer is busy with holidaymakers, and it's worth booking your room well in advance. Visit during the spring or autumn for a quieter atmosphere.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Dunkirk.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Nord.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Lille