Getting Around and about
Walking: Old Lille is a compact city and the best way to discover it is on foot! Be aware there are lots of cobble stone rues.
Public transport: Bus, tram and metro, in fact the world’s first driverless trains were introduced here in 1983. Buy a book of tickets, 24 hour or evening pass for just a few Euros to use on all three modes of transport.
There are two rail stations: Lille Flandres for Paris and local services and Lille Europe for international and fast trains round France. Lille Flandres station used to be the old Gare du Nord Paris. It was dismantled to make way for a new, bigger station and re-erected stone by stone in Lille.
Bike: Lille is a cycle friendly city where motorists are used to wobbly wheeled tourists. Hire a public bike from V'Lille
Shopping
Shops are closed on Sundays, and many on Monday morning. Rue de Bethune is good for high street style, Vieux Lille for luxury and high end goods (including Louis Vuitton and Hermès), Rue Royale for jewellery, bags, and accessories.
Inside Track
Hop on the tram or metro to nearby Roubaix and visit the art deco La Piscine museum in a converted public swimming pool - it has real wow factor (read more about it here).
Everyone loves a French street market and Lille has several. Try Wazemmes Sunday market, one of the largest in France. A colourful, lively affair where you can furnish your house, wardrobe or pantry. You’re likely to hear accordion music here and witness spontaneous outbreaks of dancing – the Lillois (people of Lille) love to dance!