The most beautiful places to visit around Lille
Lille, with its authentic charm and rich cultural heritage, is a must-see destination. But beyond the city limits, Lille’s surroundings are full of hidden treasures and picturesque landscapes that are well worth discovering! Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover or simply looking for an escape, the area around Lille offers a multitude of wonderful sites to explore. Here are some of the most beautiful places to visit around Lille:
Beaches near Lille :
Malo-les-Bains beach
Location: Dunkirk, about 1h15 from Lille by car and 1h30 by train
The Plage de Malo-les-Bains, nicknamed the “Queen of the Northern Beaches”, is one of Lille’s most popular seaside destinations. Located in Dunkirk, it offers a vast expanse of fine sand, ideal for walks, beach games or simply relaxing in the sun. The beach is well equipped with showers, toilets and beach huts for hire.
Malo-les-Bains is also famous for its many water sports activities, such as sailing, kitesurfing and sand yachting. Families will appreciate the children’s playgrounds and the many seaside dining options, from quick snacks to seafood restaurants.
Bray-Dunes beach
Location: Brays-Dunes, about 1h from Lille by car and 2h30 by public transport
Bray-Dunes is France’s most northerly beach, located on the Belgian border. It’s a quiet family beach, renowned for its fine sand and majestic dunes. Bray-Dunes offers a more peaceful ambience than other, busier beaches, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a moment of calm and relaxation.
There’s no shortage of activities here either, with opportunities for hiking in the dunes, cycling trails along the coast, and water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. Nature lovers can explore the nearby nature reserves and observe a variety of wildlife.
La Panne Beach
Location: La Panne, Belgium, about 1h15 from Lille by car and 2h by train
Located just across the Belgian border, the Plage de La Panne is known as the widest beach on the Belgian coast. This spacious beach is perfect for long walks, sand yachting and summer swimming. La Panne is also a great place for water sports enthusiasts, with many schools offering kitesurfing and windsurfing lessons.
The town of De Panne itself offers a wealth of restaurants, cafés and stores, as well as a charming historic town center. For a fun activity, be sure to visit the nearby Plopsaland amusement park, which will delight young and old alike.
Picturesque towns around Lille
Tired of Lille? Are the streets all too familiar? If you want to discover architectural, cultural and natural treasures while getting away from Lille for a while, these picturesque nearby towns offer the perfect getaways:
Bruges
Distance from Lille: Approx. 1h20 by car or 1h30 by train.
Often called the “Venice of the North”, Bruges is famous for its winding canals, cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. This Belgian city is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a day of historical and cultural discovery.
Points of interest :
- Bruges Belfry: Climb the 366 steps for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Don’t worry for the less athletic: there are two stops on the way to the top, one at the treasury and one to observe the carillon mechanism.
- The Canals: A boat trip on the canals is a must to appreciate the beauty of the city from another angle. Let yourself be carried along by the rhythm of the water and admire the scenery as it passes by.
- Markt Square: The vibrant heart of Bruges, surrounded by colorful houses and restaurants. It’s a place filled with monuments that tell the story of the city.
- The chocolate museum: gourmande, gourmand, you won’t be left out! Find out all there is to know about chocolate and its evolution, and enjoy a well-deserved tasting session at the end.
Gand
Distance from Lille: Approx. 1h20 by car or 1h30 by train.
Ghent, another Belgian gem, is a dynamic university town with a unique blend of medieval history and contemporary urban life. Less touristy than Bruges, Ghent offers a more authentic atmosphere while still being rich in cultural attractions.
Points of interest :
- Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen): Not only is this an impressive medieval castle offering magnificent views from its ramparts, it is also home to a unique collection of torture tools.
- St. Bavo’s Cathedral: Alongside the Belfry and St. Nicholas Church, this is one of the city’s iconic towers. In addition to its magnificent Gothic architecture, you can admire Jan van Eyk’s famous altarpiece of the Mystic Lamb.
- The Old Port (Graslei and Korenlei): A perfect place to stroll or sit in a café and watch the boats go by. Take the opportunity to stop off at the nearby Grasbrug.
- Saint-Michel Bridge: offers a panoramic view of Ghent’s three emblematic towers and the quays. A favorite spot for photo enthusiasts, especially at sunset.
Arras
Distance from Lille: Approx. 40 minutes by car or 1 hour by train.
Arras is a small French town known for its Flemish Baroque architecture and its two magnificent main squares: the Grand’Place and the Place des Héros. During the Christmas season, Arras becomes a destination of choice thanks to its Christmas market, one of the finest in the region.
Points of interest :
- Christmas Market: Located on the Grand’Place, this market is renowned for its wooden chalets, enchanting illuminations and warm atmosphere. You’ll find handcrafted products, Christmas decorations and local culinary specialties to get you in the holiday spirit.
- The Belfry: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a breathtaking view of the city. It’s well worth the climb, especially when the city is illuminated for the festive season!
- Les Boves: This network of underground galleries dating back to the Middle Ages is the perfect place for fans of history and cool temperatures (11° all year round). With relics from the 9th century, the 12th century and the Second World War, it’s history at your fingertips. In the same style, you can visit the Wellington quarry.
- Saint-Vaast Abbey: A place between history and art. This former monastery is now home to the Palais de Beaux-Arts d’Arras. An exceptional setting for exceptional works of art.
Typical places in the region
The Lille region is brimming with iconic sites that tell the story of the history and heritage of this part of northern France. Here are two must-see sites you won’t want to miss!
Loos-en-Gohelle earthworks
- The Loos-en-Gohelle slag heaps are emblematic symbols of the region’s mining past. Located around 40 minutes from Lille, these artificial hills, created by the accumulation of coal mining waste, today offer a unique and surprisingly verdant landscape.
- Hiking and panoramas:You can climb the twin slag heaps, the highest in Europe, to enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the region. A very rewarding climb! Well-marked hiking trails lead you through surprisingly dense and varied vegetation. This biodiversity is a fine example of nature’s resilience!
- Sporting activities: As well as hiking, the terrils are also a popular spot for mountain biking and paragliding. Thrills guaranteed!
Other slag heaps to visit around Lille include those at Rieulay near Orchies, and Roost-Warendin near Douai.
Lewarde Mine Museum
Just 45 minutes from Lille, the Centre Historique Minier de Lewarde is France’s largest mining museum, and a must for understanding the region’s industrial history.
- Exhibitions and Guided Tours : Discover an important page in the region’s history! The museum features permanent and temporary exhibits tracing the lives of miners and the evolution of the mining industry. Guided tours will take you into the underground galleries, to discover the working conditions of the miners.
- Reconstructions: Reconstructed scenes, with authentic mannequins and equipment, will plunge you into the daily life of mine workers. The emphasis here is on immersion, with sound and light to give you the impression of stepping back in time!
To find out about the best museums in Lille and the surrounding area, click here!
