Lille and its region
Where people and ideas collideEasy to get to, down-to-earth and proud of its past, fall under its spell as you're carried away to the cross-roads of modern-day Europe.
The secrets of its past
Lille's strategic position in Europe made it a popular destination for invaders in ancient times. The Flemish, English, Dutch and
Spanish marched their armies through the town at one point or another leaving behind them a legacy of fascinating cosmopolitan architecture and astonishing relics, a real delight to discover!
Down to earth and naturally generous
It feels good to be in Lille. Each district has its story to tell, delicately proposing a mixture of luxury boutiques, pedestrianized streets bustling with stores, including
the new Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps department stores, gastronomic restaurants and typical estaminets, art galleries and colourful markets...
No end of things to do
Sincerity, hospitality, a festive spirit and a sense of fun are an integral part of life in Lille where festivals, parades and breathtaking exhibitions take place all year round...
Find out more about Lille and her region Accessibility
Lille, closer than you thinkEurope's core: Lille is naturally nestled in the heart of Europe, at only 1 hour from Paris, 1 hour 20 minutes from London and 38 minutes from Brussels. An important asset that puts Lille at the top of the European strategic destinations.
Economic core: Lille's status as the headquarters of the Euroregion represents a challenge to break down borders. The town's incredible rail & road network gives a quick & easy access to European major capital cities. Lille is close to 2 major international airports : Paris - Charles de Gaulle (45 mins) and Brussels Airport (38 mins).
Lille's core:
Lille Grand Palais is located in the centre of the town, a 5 minute walk from the TGV/Eurostar train stations and only 10 minutes from the Grand Place.
By planeBy trainBy carParking in LilleGo Green in LilleHOTELS
7 000 hotel rooms within 30 minutes
Wether you're looking for a four star luxury hotel or just a typical hotel room, there is a huge and varied choice of hotels in the Lille Metropolitan area.
3 000 hotel rooms only 10 minutes away
Most of these hotels are located in the heart of the town centre close to Lille Grand Palais. There are 1 800 three to four star hotels and 1 200 two star hotels.
The choice is also extremely practical; within a 20 minute walk of the Lille Grand Palais, there are over 3 000 hotel rooms.
Culture
European Capital of CultureNominated the European Capital of Culture in 2004, the town was transformed into an astonishing backdrop of colour and decoration bringing Lille's streets to life. Concerts, shows, exhibitions are held in the whole of the city throughout the year.
A year to remember...
Jean-Claude Mézière's gigantic futuristic arches wowed passers-by along the Rue Faidherbe, commuters were welcomed to a Gare Lille Flandres decorated completely in pink (designed by Patrick Jouin), and the famous suspended upside-down forest astonished town centre visitors! An out-of-this-world event which included 2 500 individual events and welcomed over 9 million participants.
Keeping the spark alive... Lille 3000
Every two years, Lille changes its colours. The goal is to propose unique events that aim to break down barriers, open people's minds to other cultures and bring together people from all walks of life. India was the guest of honour in 2006. In 2009, it's Central and Eastern Europe that take centre stage, definitely one to watch!
The main events | Museums | Music and Theatre
Business
Most important cross-border town in EuropeLargest industrial region in FranceLargest teaching hospital complex in EuropeMost popular region in France for inward investment 2nd biggest concentration of insurance companies2nd highest number of international HQs in France European Competitivity Clusters
Nutrition-Health-Longevity - dedicated to developing procedures and innovative products in the field of nutrition.
I-Trans - the first internationally recognised European pole of excellence dedicated to the design, construction, competitive advantage and maintenance of transport systems.
Trade Industry - Lille is the country's most important centre for retail distribution. This pole dreams up and tests the business of the future.
Key figures about Lille Metropole (2.42 Mo)
