3-Day Family Christmas Holiday Itinerary in Lille, France
Lille, France
3 days
About Lille, France
Discover the charm of Northern France with a visit to Lille, a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Explore the Grand Place, a bustling square surrounded by stunning Flemish architecture. Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France's largest museums, housing impressive collections of European paintings and sculptures. Wander through the old town, Vieux Lille, with its cobbled streets, stylish boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. Don't miss the Citadel, a star-shaped fortress surrounded by a beautiful park. Lille is also famous for its lively markets and festivals, including the annual Braderie de Lille, Europe's biggest flea market. With its blend of French and Flemish influences, Lille offers a unique cultural experience.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Zoo, Citadel, and Grand Place
Morning
Start your second day with a visit to the Lille Zoo, home to over 70 different species of animals. It's a great place for kids and adults alike.
Lunch
Have lunch at a nearby café, where you can try some local pastries and cheeses.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Citadel of Lille, a star-shaped fortress built in the 17th century. It's a great place to learn about the city's military history and enjoy some outdoor activities.
Dinner
Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant, where you can try some regional dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries) or tarte au maroilles (a tart made with a local cheese).
Evening
End your day with a visit to the Grand Place, Lille's main square. During the Christmas season, it's beautifully decorated with lights and a giant Christmas tree.
Day 3
Natural History Museum, Parc de la Citadelle, and Opera House
Morning
On your last day, visit the Natural History Museum of Lille, where you can learn about the region's flora and fauna, as well as its geological history.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local bistro, where you can try some traditional French dishes.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at the Parc de la Citadelle, a large park surrounding the Citadel of Lille. It's a great place for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
Dinner
For your last dinner in Lille, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant serving traditional French cuisine. Try some local specialties like carbonnade flamande, a beef and beer stew, or potjevleesch, a jellied meat dish.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the Lille Opera House. During the Christmas season, they often have special performances like The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol.
Attractions in Itinerary (9)
1Lille Christmas Market
The Lille Christmas Market is a popular attraction during the holiday season, offering a variety of goods from local artisans, food stalls, and festive decorations. It's a great place to experience the local culture and holiday spirit.
2Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille
The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille is one of the largest fine arts museums in France, housing extensive collections of paintings, sculptures, and drawings from various periods.
3Old Lille
Old Lille is the historic district of Lille, known for its charming streets, old-world ambiance, and Flemish-influenced architecture. It's a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
4Lille Zoo
Lille Zoo is a popular attraction in Lille, home to over 70 species of animals. It's a great place for families, with plenty of interactive exhibits and educational programs.
5Citadel of Lille
The Citadel of Lille is a historic fortress surrounded by a beautiful park. It offers a glimpse into the city's past and is a great place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
6Grand Place
Grand Place is the main square of Lille, surrounded by beautiful buildings and bustling with activity. It's a great place to start your exploration of the city.
7Natural History Museum of Lille
The Natural History Museum of Lille is a renowned institution, housing a vast collection of natural specimens. It offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
8Parc de la Citadelle
Parc de la Citadelle is a large park in Lille, known for its historic citadel. It's a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and explore the historic structures.
9Lille Opera House
Lille Opera House is a stunning architectural landmark, offering a variety of performances. It's a must-visit for lovers of music, theater, and architecture.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Moules-frites
A popular dish in Lille, it consists of mussels and fries. The mussels are usually cooked in a sauce of white wine, shallots, parsley, and butter.
Carbonnade flamande
A traditional Flemish beef and onion stew made with beer and spiced bread. It's a hearty dish that's popular in Lille and the surrounding region.
Potjevleesch
A traditional dish from Lille, it's a terrine of different kinds of meat, usually rabbit, chicken, and veal, set in gelatin.
Maroilles cheese
A strong-smelling cheese made in the region, Maroilles is often used in local dishes, including the famous 'Flamiche', a local tart.
Flamiche
A local tart made with leeks and cream, and often Maroilles cheese. It's a specialty of the region and a must-try for any food lover.
Tarte au sucre
A sweet tart made with sugar, butter, and sometimes rum. It's a traditional dessert in Lille and the surrounding region.
Ch'ti charcuterie
A variety of local charcuterie products, including sausages and pâtés, often served as a starter or part of a platter.
Waterzooi
A creamy fish or chicken stew, originally from Belgium but also popular in Lille. It's made with egg yolk, cream, and vegetables.
Rabbit à la Kriek
A traditional dish where rabbit is cooked in Kriek, a type of Belgian cherry beer. It's a unique combination of flavors that's popular in Lille.
Chicory coffee
A local specialty, chicory root is roasted, ground, and used as a coffee substitute or additive. It has a slightly bitter, nutty flavor.
Jenlain beer
A popular local beer, Jenlain is a type of Bière de Garde, a traditional French farmhouse ale. It's known for its deep amber color and rich, malty flavor.
Genièvre
A traditional juniper-flavored liquor from the region. It's often served as a digestif after meals.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Lille, France, is between June and September when the weather is warm and pleasant. This period also coincides with the annual Braderie de Lille, a massive open-air flea market held every first weekend of September, which attracts visitors from around the world. However, if you prefer a quieter visit, the spring months of April and May offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday |
May 1 | Wed | Labor Day / May Day |
May 8 | Wed | WWII Victory Day |
May 9 | Thu | Ascension Day |
May 20 | Mon | Whit Monday |
July 14 | Sun | Bastille Day |
August 15 | Thu | Assumption of Mary |
November 1 | Fri | All Saints' Day |
November 11 | Mon | Armistice Day |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
How to get around
Walk
Lille is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. Many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Bike
Lille has a bike-sharing program called V'Lille. There are stations throughout the city where you can rent and return bikes.
Public Transit
Lille has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro system. The Lille Metro is the world's first fully automated metro system.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Lille. This can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Lille. You can hail a taxi on the street, at a taxi stand, or book one in advance.
Car Rental
Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore the surrounding region. However, parking can be difficult in the city center.
Train
Lille has two main train stations: Lille Flandres and Lille Europe. These stations offer connections to other cities in France and Europe.
Important information
Currency€ EUR
Time zoneUTC+1
Driving sideRight
Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112, 15; Fire: 112, 18; Police: 112, 17
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Lille, France as a first time visitor
1
Lille is located in the northern part of France, near the border with Belgium.
2
The city is a major hub for France's high-speed train, the TGV, making it easily accessible from other parts of the country.
3
Lille has a temperate oceanic climate. Summers are generally warm with average high temperatures of 68°F (20°C), while winters are cool with average low temperatures of 32°F (0°C).
4
The official language is French. While some locals may speak English, it is advisable to learn a few basic French phrases.
5
The currency used in Lille is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash.
6
Tipping is not mandatory in France as service charge is included in your bill, but it's customary to leave small change for good service.
7
Lille is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).
8
The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters.
9
Lille has a robust public transportation system, including trams, buses, and a metro system. Consider purchasing a Lille City Pass for unlimited travel.
10
Lille is a bike-friendly city with many bike lanes and bike-sharing programs.
11
The city is known for its diverse culinary scene, with a mix of French and Flemish influences. Don't miss trying local specialties like carbonnade flamande (a beef and beer stew) and moules-frites (mussels and fries).
12
Lille hosts a famous annual flea market, the Braderie de Lille, usually held in September. It's one of the largest in Europe.
13
Lille has a vibrant nightlife with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
14
The city is safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's advisable to take standard precautions, especially at night.
15
Lille has a number of shopping districts with a mix of high-end boutiques, vintage shops, and local markets.
16
The city is home to several universities and has a large student population, giving it a youthful and energetic vibe.
17
Lille is a green city with many parks and gardens, perfect for relaxing or picnicking.
18
The city has a rich history, with architecture ranging from medieval to modern. Take time to explore its historic neighborhoods.
19
Lille is a great base for exploring the wider region, including nearby Belgium.
20
Remember to carry a universal power adapter as France uses Type E power sockets.
Basic French to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Bonjour | bon-zhoor | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Au revoir | oh reh-vwar | Saying goodbye to someone |
Please | S'il vous plaît | see voo play | Making a request |
Thank you | Merci | mair-see | Expressing gratitude |
Yes | Oui | wee | Agreeing or confirming |
No | Non | non | Disagreeing or denying |
Excuse me | Excusez-moi | ex-koo-zay mwah | Getting attention or apologizing |
Do you speak English? | Parlez-vous anglais? | par-lay voo on-glay | Asking if someone speaks English |
I don't understand | Je ne comprends pas | zhe ne kom-prond pah | When you don't understand what was said |
Where is...? | Où est...? | oo eh | Asking for directions |
Bathroom | Toilettes | twah-let | Looking for a bathroom |
Help | Aide | ed | In case of emergency |
Food | Nourriture | noo-ree-toor | Looking for food |
Water | Eau | oh | Asking for water |
Beer | Bière | byair | Ordering a beer |
Wine | Vin | van | Ordering wine |
Check, please | L'addition, s'il vous plaît | la-di-syon, see voo play | Asking for the bill |
How much does it cost? | Combien ça coûte? | kom-byen sa koot | Asking for the price |
I'm sorry | Je suis désolé | zhe swee day-zo-lay | Apologizing |
Good night | Bonne nuit | bon nwee | Saying goodnight |
Packing List
Clothing
Underwear (3 pairs)
Socks (3 pairs)
T-shirts (3)
Pants/Jeans (2 pairs)
Sweater or Jacket
Pajamas
Comfortable walking shoes
Dressy outfit (if planning to visit a fancy restaurant or event)
Scarf (for cooler evenings)
Rain jacket or umbrella (in case of rain)
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Hairbrush or comb
Travel-sized first aid kit
Prescription medications (if applicable)
Sunscreen
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash (in Euros)
Hotel reservation confirmation
Travel insurance documents
Emergency contact information
Map of Lille
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Headphones
Camera
Charger for camera
Travel adapter (France uses Type E plug)
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Snacks for the journey
Reusable water bottle
Travel guidebook for Lille
French phrasebook or dictionary
Travel pillow and blanket
Earplugs and eye mask
Notebook and pen
Books or e-reader for entertainment
Backpack or daypack for daily excursions
Weather Conditions
Lille, France, experiences a temperate oceanic climate, which means it has mild summers and cool winters. The city experiences rainfall throughout the year, so it's a good idea to always carry an umbrella or raincoat, regardless of the season. During the summer months, from June to August, temperatures in Lille typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It's the perfect time to explore the city's outdoor attractions like the Citadel of Lille or enjoy a picnic in one of its many parks. However, remember to stay hydrated and wear sun protection, as the sun can be quite strong during these months. In the autumn months, from September to November, temperatures drop to between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The city is particularly beautiful during this time as the leaves change color, but it can also be quite rainy, so pack accordingly. Winter, from December to February, can be quite cold with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 6°C (34°F to 43°F). Snowfall is not uncommon during these months, so if you're planning to visit Lille during winter, be sure to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Spring, from March to May, sees temperatures between 6°C and 18°C (43°F to 64°F). It's a lovely time to visit as the city comes alive with blooming flowers, but as with autumn, it can also be quite rainy. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately. Enjoy your visit to Lille!
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 6° / 1° | January is the coldest month in Lille, with temperatures often dropping to near freezing. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy winter activities and don't mind the cold. |
February | 7° / 1° | February is still quite cold in Lille, but the days start to get a bit longer. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions. |
March | 12° / 3° | March sees the beginning of spring in Lille, with temperatures starting to rise. However, it can still be quite chilly, especially in the evenings. |
April | 16° / 5° | April is a pleasant month in Lille, with temperatures often reaching the mid-teens. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and gardens. |
May | 20° / 8° | May is a beautiful month in Lille, with temperatures often reaching 20 degrees. The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom and it's a great time to visit. |
June | 23° / 11° | June is the start of summer in Lille, with long, warm days. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing. |
July | 25° / 13° | July is the warmest month in Lille, with temperatures often reaching 25 degrees. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy the heat and want to explore the city's outdoor attractions. |
August | 25° / 13° | August is another warm month in Lille, with temperatures similar to July. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy the heat and want to explore the city's outdoor attractions. |
September | 21° / 10° | September sees the start of autumn in Lille, with temperatures starting to drop. However, it's still a good time to visit, with plenty of warm days. |
October | 17° / 8° | October is a cooler month in Lille, with temperatures often dropping to the low teens. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy autumnal scenery and don't mind the cooler weather. |
November | 11° / 4° | November is a chilly month in Lille, with temperatures often dropping to the low single digits. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy winter activities and don't mind the cold. |
December | 7° / 2° | December is a festive month in Lille, with Christmas markets and lights throughout the city. However, it can be quite cold, so make sure to pack warm clothes. |
Did you know?
Places near by Lille, France
Bruges
Known for its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings.
Ghent
A city of history, renowned for its medieval architecture.
Antwerp
Known for its port, diamond district and Flemish Renaissance architecture.
Brussels
The capital of Belgium, known for its historic sites like the Grand Palace.
Paris
The capital of France, known for its cafes, museums, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
London
The capital of the United Kingdom, known for its iconic landmarks like the Big Ben and the London Eye.
Amsterdam
Known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades.
Dusseldorf
Known for its pioneering influence on electronic/experimental music and its Japanese community.
Geneva
A city in Switzerland that lies at the southern tip of expansive Lac Léman.
