The vibrant, dynamic city of Lille, the easily accessible capital of French Flanders, is the ideal city break destination for a romantic escape for two. With fantastic architecture, a great choice of art museums and superb shopping, it’s easy to reach there is also plenty to tempt foodies from fine dining to delicious street food.
Lille’s rich art offerings range from fantastic fine arts collections to contemporary art and sculpture as well as unusual modernist architecture. A must-see is the ‘Musee de La Piscine’, a converted art deco swimming pool complex which has maintained a central water feature with sculptures either side of it whilst around the pool, the old shower cubicles have been converted into display cases all lit through fabulous stained glass windows. For modern art fans, LaM is a modern art museum and sculpture park which is renowned for its collections of 20th and 21st century art as well as for its iconic building complex.
Explore the city’s famous market, Wazemmes – one of the largest in France – with its bustling colourful stalls selling a huge array of local produce including fruit and vegetables, olives, charcuterie and cheeses, with the surrounding streets also home to a diverse range of Tunisian bakeries, shops and restaurants.
The historic 4-star Carlton hotel in Lille is the perfect base with its central location and views of Lille’s Opera House combined with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and great facilities. Splash out and spend a night in the ‘Coupole Suite’ in the domed penthouse, a split level spacious, luxurious suite with a spiral staircase, comfortable lounge, spa bath and steam shower. All the perfect ingredients for a break to remember.
Prices from £207 per person for 1 night in the Coupole Suite at the Carlton Hotel, based on two sharing on a bed and breakfast basis.
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.
Did you enjoy this article?
Receive similar content direct to your inbox.
3 Comments
If you want a taste of a French town then Lille could do the job. Authentically French without being too busy.
I’ve never been to Lille but you’ve definitely sold it to me. Even if I don’t win I’ll start investigating a trip once travel becomes a little more normal.
Lille’s rich art offerings range from fantastic fine arts collections to contemporary art and sculpture as well as unusual modernist architecture. A must-see is the ‘Musee de La Piscine’, a converted art deco swimming pool complex which has maintained a central water feature with sculptures either side of it whilst around the pool, the old shower cubicles have been converted into display cases all lit through fabulous stained glass windows. For modern art fans, LaM is a modern art museum and sculpture park which is renowned for its collections of 20th and 21st century art as well as for its iconic building complex.
Explore the city’s famous market, Wazemmes – one of the largest in France – with its bustling colourful stalls selling a huge array of local produce including fruit and vegetables, olives, charcuterie and cheeses, with the surrounding streets also home to a diverse range of Tunisian bakeries, shops and restaurants.
The historic 4-star Carlton hotel in Lille is the perfect base with its central location and views of Lille’s Opera House combined with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and great facilities. Splash out and spend a night in the ‘Coupole Suite’ in the domed penthouse, a split level spacious, luxurious suite with a spiral staircase, comfortable lounge, spa bath and steam shower. All the perfect ingredients for a break to remember.
Lille’s rich art offerings range from fantastic fine arts collections to contemporary art and sculpture as well as unusual modernist architecture. A must-see is the ‘Musee de La Piscine’, a converted art deco swimming pool complex which has maintained a central water feature with sculptures either side of it whilst around the pool, the old shower cubicles have been converted into display cases all lit through fabulous stained glass windows. For modern art fans, LaM is a modern art museum and sculpture park which is renowned for its collections of 20th and 21st century art as well as for its iconic building complex.
Explore the city’s famous market, Wazemmes – one of the largest in France – with its bustling colourful stalls selling a huge array of local produce including fruit and vegetables, olives, charcuterie and cheeses, with the surrounding streets also home to a diverse range of Tunisian bakeries, shops and restaurants.
The historic 4-star Carlton hotel in Lille is the perfect base with its central location and views of Lille’s Opera House combined with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and great facilities. Splash out and spend a night in the ‘Coupole Suite’ in the domed penthouse, a split level spacious, luxurious suite with a spiral staircase, comfortable lounge, spa bath and steam shower. All the perfect ingredients for a break to remember.
Prices from £207 per person for 1 night in the Coupole Suite at the Carlton Hotel, based on two sharing on a bed and breakfast basis.
If you want a taste of a French town then Lille could do the job. Authentically French without being too busy.
In the good old days, long before COVID, we had a brilliant weekend in Lille. We thought that it was a great place for art lovers.
I’ve never been to Lille but you’ve definitely sold it to me. Even if I don’t win I’ll start investigating a trip once travel becomes a little more normal.