Lille 🇫🇷: The Charming French City Just 90 Minutes from London

We spent a two-day weekend getaway travelling from London to Lille by Eurostar 🚆. At just 1.5 hours by train, Lille makes for an easy and convenient escape from the city. The city was far more charming than we expected, offering a beautiful mix of historic architecture, fascinating art museums, and a small-town feel despite being one of France's largest cities. Located in northern France, just 10 km from the Belgian border, Lille is rich in Flemish history and culture.

On our first day, we explored the city centre, visited the second-hand book market at the Vieille Bourse, and stopped by the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral. We also tasted some local dishes before ending the day with a sunset walk in the park near the Citadel of Lille.

On our second day, we focused on Lille's art scene, visiting the Palais des Beaux-Arts and La Piscine Museum. Needless to say, these were two of the most beautiful and aesthetically impressive museums we have ever visited. We were lucky that we attended the Palais des Beaux-Arts museum during the Felice Varini Exhibition (Éclats en échos). Before heading back to London, we climbed the Beffroi de Lille, a 104-metre-tall bell tower that offers stunning panoramic views across the city.

Lille is a destination we would highly recommend and is well worth adding to your list if you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway from London.

0:00 – highlights
0:47 – day 1 - Eurostar from London
2:20 – arrived at Lille Europe Station, City Centre,
4:31 – Vieille Bourse Book Market
6:40 – Cathedral Notre Dame
8:16 – Citadelle de Lille
10:59 – day 2 - museum: Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille
15:08 – Passage des Arts
16:27 – La Piscine - Musée d'art
18:39 – Beffroi de Lille & Porte de Paris
22:58 – Back to London

#lille #france #europe #silentvlog #cinematic