Best things to do in Lille

Lille's Unmissable Treasures

Lille's historic center showcases a blend of Flemish and French architecture. This collection features the 15th-century Palais Rihour, a remnant of the Burgundian court, and the Baroque Saint-Étienne Church. The selection highlights the city's evolution through the 19th-century Beaux-Arts Préfecture and the historic fortifications at Porte de Dunkerque. Visitors can also explore the bustling Rue de Béthune shopping district and significant heritage sites like the former Jesuit college, now the Scrive military hospital, which reflects the city's rich institutional history.

Lille's Unmissable Treasures — Map

PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ / GFDL

A

Rihour Square

One of the busiest place in Lille. This vibrant square lined with beautiful buildings and lively cafés is a truly fun place to be.

Velvet / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Palais Rihour

Late Gothic residence built in 1453 for the Dukes of Burgundy. The remaining wing features a chapel and guardroom, now housing the local tourism office.

Velvet / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Rue de Béthune

The main shopping street of Lille. It features fashion stores, souvenirs shops and lots of opportunities to window shop.

Fridolin freudenfett / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Galeries Lafayette Lille

The Galeries Lafayette is an upmarket French department store chain, the biggest in Europe.

Remi Jouan / CC-BY-SA-3.0

E

Saint-Étienne Church

The Church of Saint-Étienne, Lille is a Roman Catholic church located on the rue de l'Hôpital Militaire in Lille, France.

Velvet / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Préfecture de Région

Monumental 19th-century administrative building designed in the Beaux-Arts style. It serves as the headquarters for the Hauts-de-France regional government.

G

Porte de Dunkerque

Historic city gate constructed in the 1860s. It formed part of the city's defensive fortifications during its 19th-century expansion.

H

Hôtel Delbecque

19th-century private mansion and heritage site showcasing traditional local architecture.

I

Hôpital militaire Scrive, ancien collège des Jésuites

Former 17th-century Jesuit college converted into a military hospital in 1781. The complex features classic brick and stone construction typical of the period.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

J

Hôtel des Postes

Grand late 19th-century building originally constructed as the city's central post office, featuring a prominent stone facade.

K

Porte de Dunkerque

19th-century city gate that served as a key entry point through Lille's historic defensive walls.

Other Lists

Lille's Heritage Trail Lille's Cultural Hubs City Parks and Gardens