Monetary constraints shouldn’t limit your travel experiences, especially if you’re in Lille, France. This beautiful city in Northeastern France offers endless possibilities for activities the budget conscious can take part in. Whether your target is discovering historical attractions, going on scenic bike rides, or enjoying the stunning gardens, Lille is the perfect destination for a budget-friendly experience.
- Explore Historical Attractions
As the capital of French Flanders, Lille is bursting with history and a wide range of cultural attractions to explore. Start your stay in the Grand Place and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere where a total of 350 events are held annually, ranging from concerts to theatre performances.
A must-see during your stay in Lille is the Vieux-Lille (the old city) located near the Grand Place. It is the commercial centre of the most ancient part of Lille and is made up of cobbled roads and alleys surrounded by beautiful 16th and 18th century architecture. Here you can find stunning townhouses and mansions in styles reflecting the Renaissance, classical and Louis XIV periods. Don’t forget to make time and to visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille. This museum is the second largest in France and it displays a vast collection of sculptures, paintings and other breathtaking works of art.
- Enjoy the Outdoor Activities
Lille’s parks and gardens are filled with wonderful sights, sounds and smells throughout the year, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors for free. The most famous and beloved garden in Lille is the Jardin des Plantes, one of the oldest French gardens built in 1635. The garden is made up of five distinct areas; the Medicinal Plant Garden, the Thermal Gardens, the Biodiversity Garden, the Remarkable Trees Valley, and the Italian Garden. It also hosts a wide range of activities, such as jogging, art workshops, succulent sales and many more.
The Hortillonnages de Lille, a series of wetlands bordered by the Deûle River, are a paradise for nature-lovers. This incredible ecosystem offers visitors the chance to explore its aquatic environment on a boat tour, while also indulging in some of the local delicacies.
- Take Advantage of Free Performances
Live music is an important part of French culture and luckily for you, excellent concerts are part of Lille’s heritage, too. Jazz and baroque music are among the most popular genres here but there is something for just about every music taste. During the summer, live concerts are held almost every night in the jardin de la Treille. This beautiful park is located in the heart of Lille, and is the perfect setting for a summer night under the stars, filled with music, art and delicious food.
Other outstanding free shows (mainly in the warm summer months) are the free outdoor movies in the Lille Citadel Garden, across the Deûle River. Be sure to check the monthly schedule so that you can catch the performance of your choice.
- Try the Local Specialities
Randyland is one of the best places to sample the local specialities. Here, you will find traditional products such as Wazemmes Lille-Wurst and Nouvelles Prunes de Lille, as well as renowned cheese specialities from the area. It is a great place to shop for unique culinary gifts to bring back home. If you’re looking for a spot serving simple comfort food and tasty beverages at a reasonable price, head down to the Chez Le Gaulois. This traditional French café is located in the Vieux Lille and is the perfect place to share cheap tapas (with an emphasis on the cheese) and beers with locals.
Lille is a charming city, with plenty of budget-friendly activities and attractions. From exploring historical landmarks, to indulging in cultural performances and sampling local delicacies, there’s no better place to get the most out of your time and money than in Lille. The best part? It doesn’t have to break the bank.
