The Best Trips To Do From Lille
Located at the crossroads of Europe, Lille is an ideal base from which to discover many fascinating destinations. Here’s a selection of the best trips to make from Lille, listed by country. Whether you’re a lover of nature, culture or urban adventure, there’s something for everyone.
France
The Opal Coast
Just a few hours from Lille, the Côte d’Opale offers 120 km of beaches, cliffs and dunes. Highlights include Cap Blanc-Nez with its breathtaking views, Wissant for its fine sandy beaches and Boulogne-sur-Mer with its historic port and the national sea center, Nausicaá. This region is perfect for hiking, water sports or simply relaxing by the sea. What’s more, you can enjoy delicious seafood in local restaurants.
Normandy
- Giverny: Don’t miss Claude Monet’s home and gardens, where he painted some of his most famous works. The gardens, with their water lilies and famous Japanese bridge, are a haven of peace.
- Mont Saint-Michel: An iconic site with an abbey perched on a rocky islet, surrounded by spectacular tides. The climb up to the abbey offers exceptional panoramic views.
- Étretat: Known for its impressive cliffs and natural arches, Étretat is also a favorite spot for artists. The cliff-top hiking trails offer breathtaking scenery.
Brittany
- Saint-Malo: A walled city with historic ramparts, magnificent beaches and a rich maritime history. Wander the cobbled streets of the old town and discover the shipowners’ houses. Saint-Malo’s tides are among the most spectacular in Europe.
- Carnac: Famous for its menhir alignments, Carnac is a fascinating archaeological site. The mysterious standing stones date back to prehistoric times and are shrouded in legend and mystery.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is perfect for a winter visit, especially during the Christmas market. Enjoy Alsatian architecture, the Gothic cathedral and the picturesque Petite France district. The city is also famous for its European institutions, such as the European Parliament.
Versailles
The Château de Versailles, with its sumptuous gardens and historic palace, is an architectural gem and a must-see for history and art lovers. The Grandes Eaux Musicales, where fountains dance to the rhythm of music, are a spectacle not to be missed. Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet offers a fascinating insight into life at the royal court.
Baie de la Somme
The Baie de la Somme is ideal for a nature getaway, with its peaceful landscapes, marshes, dunes and numerous migratory birds. It’s the perfect place for birdwatching. The small villages around the bay, such as Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, offer picturesque charm.
Champagne region
For champagne lovers, a visit to Reims and Épernay will allow you to discover the vineyards and cellars of the world’s finest champagne producers. Take part in tastings and learn the secrets of champagne winemaking. In addition to cellar tours, explore Reims Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Loire Valley Castles
The chateaux of the Loire Valley, such as Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise, are architectural gems surrounded by magnificent gardens. They’re the perfect way to immerse yourself in French history. French gardens and richly decorated interiors will take you on a journey through Renaissance times.
Each castle has its own unique charm and history, offering an enriching cultural experience.
Belgium
Brussels
An hour away by train, Brussels is famous for its waffles, chocolates and beers. Don’t miss the Grand-Place, the Manneken Pis and the European Quarter for a plunge into the soul of the European Union. Brussels is also a vibrant center for comics, with murals and museums dedicated to characters such as Tintin and the Smurfs. For a unique culinary experience, visit the many restaurants and cafés where you can sample traditional Belgian dishes such as moules-frites.
Gand
Ghent is a historic city with picturesque canals, medieval buildings and a lively atmosphere. Visit the Castle of the Counts and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. The city center is ideal for a stroll or boat trip on the canals, offering a unique perspective on Gothic facades and guild houses. Ghent is also known for its contemporary art scene, with many museums and galleries to explore.
Bruges
Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is about an hour and a half away by train. Its picturesque canals, medieval buildings and Belgian beers make it an ideal destination for a getaway. The narrow cobbled streets and charming squares such as the Markt are perfect for a stroll. Don’t forget to visit the Beguinage and sample local specialties such as artisanal chocolate.
Dinant
Dinant is famous for its clifftop citadel and the collegiate church of Notre-Dame. The town is also the birthplace of the inventor of the saxophone, Adolphe Sax. Dinant offers a variety of activities, including cruises on the Meuse and kayaking excursions. The town is surrounded by magnificent natural landscapes, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
Anvers
Antwerp is famous for its port, one of the largest in Europe, and for its diamond district. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Plantin-Moretus Museum for a cultural immersion. The city is also a center for fashion and design, with numerous designer boutiques and art exhibitions. Antwerp has a vibrant gastronomic scene, offering top-quality restaurants and trendy cafés.
Netherlands
Amsterdam
A three-hour train ride will take you to Amsterdam, the city of canals and bicycles. Visit the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank’s house and enjoy charming neighborhoods like Jordaan. Canal cruises offer a relaxing way to discover the city. Amsterdam is also famous for its flower markets and cheese shops, where you can buy unique souvenirs.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture, lively port and contemporary art museums. Don’t miss the Erasmus Bridge, the Markthal covered market and the Euromast tower. The city offers a fascinating contrast between old buildings and ultramodern structures. Rotterdam is also a cultural center with numerous festivals, art events and a lively nightlife.
England
London
Thanks to the Eurostar, London is less than two hours from Lille. Discover Big Ben, the British Museum and enjoy shopping on Oxford Street. London’s cultural and gastronomic scene is also not to be missed. Visit iconic neighborhoods like Camden and Notting Hill for a diverse experience. London is also home to many royal parks, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Germany
Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle)
Famous for its Christmas market, Aachen is also famous for its cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the thermal baths and medieval streets of this charming city. The city is also famous for its culinary specialties, such as Printen, spicy cookies. Aachen is an ideal destination for a day of relaxation and historical discovery.
Cologne
In just over three hours by train, you can reach Cologne, famous for its Gothic cathedral, carnival and varied museums. The city is also renowned for its contemporary art scene. Be sure to visit the Ludwig Museum for its modern art collections. Cologne also offers a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, clubs and restaurants.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Just three hours from Lille, Luxembourg offers a unique experience with its green valleys, medieval castles and picturesque capital nestled in a valley. Don’t miss the Christmas market and the charming village of Vianden with its imposing castle. Luxembourg city center is perfect for a stroll, with its historic ramparts and panoramic views over the Alzette valley.
Vianden
Vianden is a picturesque Luxembourg village known for its medieval castle overlooking the Our valley. It’s an ideal destination for a day’s hiking and historical discovery. The area around Vianden is perfect for outdoor activities, with hiking and cycling trails. Vianden Castle also organizes events and historical re-enactments throughout the year!
Travelling with Erasmus Place
The association Erasmus Place Lille offers trips to many of the destinations mentioned above. Traveling with Erasmus Place has many advantages, especially if you’re an international student in Lille. Here are a few reasons why joining this association for your getaways is a great idea:
- International community: Traveling with Erasmus Place means being part of a dynamic, international community. You’ll meet other students from all over the world, sharing the same desire for discovery and adventure. It’s a unique opportunity to forge lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories together!
- Organization and safety: Erasmus Place trips are well planned and supervised, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The association takes care of bookings, transportation transport and accommodation, allowing you to concentrate on discovery and enjoyment. What’s more, traveling in a group offers added security, especially if you’re new to the area.
- Advantageous rates: As a student association, Erasmus Place often negotiates preferential rates for trips, making getaways more affordable.
- Accessibility and comfort: trips are designed to be accessible and comfortable for students. Whether in terms of transport, accommodation or logistics, Erasmus Place ensures that every trip is as pleasant as possible.
To find out what trips are currently available, click here !
You can even get a discount on your next trip with the promo code “welcomefrance”.
