Lille is just over an hour’s drive from Calais, and the perfect destination if you’re looking for the ideal weekend getaway. The Lille area is full of art, culture, great dining experiences as well as picturesque walks. So, what are you waiting for? Pack the car and set off with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle to Lille!
Art and Culture
You may think that Paris is the nucleus of all culture in France, but that just isn’t true! Lille has many culturally significant institutions that you need to visit.
La Piscine
La Piscine is a truly unique museum. A must visit! Credit:
La PiscineWhen you visit Roubaix on the way to Lille, you must head to La Piscine, a gallery like no other. Based in a former swimming pool, the art deco architecture is reason enough to visit. But the stunning array of art and sculptures will make you stay. You can walk past the old swimming pool, while looking at the sculptures. Remember to watch the light fill the room, from the large stained glass sun window.
Musée Louvre-Lens
Controversial and beautiful, Le Louvre-Lens is designed for art lovers and art novices Credit:
laetjoubSouth west from Lille, this controversial museum has more than its fair share of headlines. Art lovers were shocked to learn that the world-famous Louvre was opening a new museum in a cold former coal-mining town. It suffered tragedy when its iconic piece, Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People was senselessly vandalised. Despite this, it is an incredible place to visit. Inside its grey steel outer shell, you can find some of the world’s greatest art dominating the 3,000-square-feet space.
Museum of Modern Art
You don’t have to take a trip to Paris or Barcelona to see great works by Picasso. The Museum of Modern Art is only a 20 minute drive from Lille in Villeneuve d'Ascq and hosts not only Picasso but also Miró and Braque, amongst others. In fact, it has the second largest modern art collection in the world, after the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Located in stunning grounds, don’t forget to bring your camera to get some photos of the stunning design!
Dining in Lille
After taking in all that culture, you’re bound to be peckish! Here are some scrumptious stops to make in Lille.
La Cave aux Fioles
If you have spent the day gazing upon modern art, you may be in the mood for something with a bit more history behind it. If that’s the case, head to La Cave aux Fioles. It’s set in a warren of rooms, each one decorated with antiques. Its dimly lit atmosphere makes it the perfect restaurant for a romantic meal for two!
Cook Yourself!
We all know that French cuisine is one of the best in the world. If you want to learn how to create delicious French food at home, then book some time at Atelier des Chefs. At this Lille cookery school, you’ll have a 30-minute cookery lesson with a French chef, where you can learn to cook a perfect lunch. Then it’s yours to enjoy with a complimentary wine and dessert!
Le Broc
Dine out on delicious fromage. You are in France, after all!
If you visit France and don’t eat your weight in cheese, have you visited France at all? If you’re crackers for cheese, visit Le Broc. With a huge variety of French cheeses as well as international fromages, you can expect a tasty treat or two here!