Discover extraordinary sites around Lille
Do you want a change of scenery? Even if Lille has many charming assets, you have desire to see new horizons and make exciting discoveries. The region, steeped in history, offers many possibilities for day trips. Here are our essential visits to do around Lille!
Marvel at the Roubaix Swimming Pool
Discover this unusual place around Lille! La Piscine is in fact the André Diligent Museum of Art and Industry. Installed in an old Art Deco swimming pool in Roubaix, it is an exceptional place dedicated to art. Around the old basin you will find a magnificent collection of sculptures which often gives way to events like fashion shows. In the upstairs cabins, drawings, jewelry, ceramics, decorative art pieces and fabrics are exhibited. With its gigantic glass roofs, the building can be admired and invites you to dream. Children will also find their account there thanks to the “walk-book” that they can fill out on a thematic route. Activities and workshops are also offered to them.
“La Piscine” in Roubaix
Take a walk in the Mosaïc Garden
A park like no other, to visit around Lille. The Mosaïc Garden, located in Houplin-Ancoisne, pays tribute to migrants settled in the region. It is made up of 10 contemporary gardens that harmoniously combine botany, works of art and an invitation to travel. Cross the cultures and stroll in the Loukoum Garden, on the island Africa Mama or on the terraces of the Mediterranean ... An extraordinary natural space that encourages reflection and openness to the world. The Mosaïc Garden regularly offers events: concerts, storytelling, workshops, offbeat visits ...
IMPORTANT : some months of the year are not recommended to visit Lille, so remember to check the climate of the region before your stay.
See the sea on the Opal Coast
Fancy a breath of sea air around Lille? Direction the magnificent Opal Coast. Lovers of wide open spaces and unspoiled nature will be able to hike from the top of the cliffs or on the many trails along the coast. The brave can even try to take a bath, even if the water temperature rarely exceeds 16 ° C. After this invigorating trip, take the time to visit Boulogne-sur-Mer. The first French fishing port offers a special atmosphere. The upper town is particularly beautiful, with its ramparts and its 13th century castle. If you are with your family, be sure to stop by Nausicaä. The largest aquarium in Europe will introduce you to more than 10 marine animals, spread over 000 aquariums.
Côte d'Opale
Visit the Louvre-Lens museum
Here is an exceptional museum not to be missed around Lille. Since its inauguration in 2012, the Louvre-Lens Museum has hosted works of art from the collections of the Louvre museum in Paris. Located in the middle of the mining basin, this magnificent glass building offers regularly updated collections. The absence of walls allows a fluid visit, all in an elegant and bright setting. The Grande Galerie, with its 120 meters long, is particularly impressive. All around is a 20 hectare park, where you can wander for free in fine weather. The museum also offers creative workshops suitable for everyone and guided tours.
Take a walk in Arras
An essential day trip to do around Lille! Finding it out today, who could imagine that Arras was 95% destroyed during the First World War? Its old town center has been meticulously restored thanks to the maps of the city of origin. A phenomenal work which allowed Arras to be classified among the cities of Art and History. The best way to explore the city is to follow a route marked with “nails” in the roadway, which will take you past all the major landmarks. You will thus discover a beautiful Baroque-Flemish architectural style. You can also visit the “Boves” of Arras: a vast network of underground passages, cellars and quarries.
Arras
Discover the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park
This real green lung around Lille is well worth a visit. Composed of four forest massifs, the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park offers many hiking possibilities on marked trails. Surrounded by hundred-year-old beeches, oaks and ash trees, you will be able to a rejuvenating walk in this green setting. With family or friends, it is also possible to board an equestrian team from Saméon. The restaurant La Couturette organizes carriage rides to explore the park: a moment of pure conviviality during which your legs can rest!
Take a trip to Belgium, to Ghent
Fancy a change of scenery around Lille? Cross the Franco-Belgian border and drive to Ghent. In just 50 minutes you are there! This historic city is absolutely lovely: a cobbled and pedestrianized medieval town center, breathtaking architecture and restaurants to die for. Crossing Ghent, the Lys brings a certain cachet to the city and, if the weather is good, do not hesitate to land at the water's edge: you will fall in love with you! Gourmets will not fail to taste cuberdons, traditional sweets from the country. In the shape of a cone, they exist in many scents. A good place to test? Head to Confiserie Temmerman, an institution!
Ready to discover all these wonders around Lille?
Between the sea and its wild coasts, forests with dense vegetation and museums of international status, there are many sites to visit around Lille. Let your curiosity speak and explore all these treasures ... And if you know of other exceptional places in the region, leave us a little comment!
