Whether it’s on foot, by bus, or aboard any other mode of transport, Lille is a fascinating city to explore, with several guided city and bus tour on offer for visitors.
(Photo: Office de Tourisme de Lille / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Situated in northern France, just a stone’s throw from Belgium, Lille is a city steeped in history and brimming with eclectic charm. Once a bustling textile hub, it’s now a mix of grand architecture, cute alleyways and rich cultural traditions. To truly get under its skin, there’s no better way than with an organised city or bus tour. We’ve selected five of the best below, each revealing the layers of Lille’s past and present.
City Bus Tour
Discover the charms of Lille on this 75-minute convertible bus tour. From the comfort of your seat, enjoy panoramic views of the city’s finest landmarks, including the opera house, town hall, belfry. Goddess statue, Chamber of Commerce, Citadel and plenty more, all while cruising comfortably through one of France’s most elegant cities. With audio and video commentary, you’ll also gain insights into Lille’s rich history, showcasing both its ancient monuments and modern districts. From €16 per person.
Express Walking Tour with a Local
(Photo: LocalBini AG / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
If you’re short on time but still want to see as much of Lille as possible, this 1 to 1.5-hour express walking tour may well fit the bill. In the company of a local guide, you’ll explore its most famous attractions and places of interest, while being regaled with tales and facts about the city’s vibrant history and culture. With your small group limited to just 8 travellers, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience, complete with local tips on the best places to eat, drink and unwind. From €69 per person.
Driving Tour by Convertible Citroen 2CV
If you like the idea of getting a flavour of Lille in the most quintessentially French way imaginable, then tour is just the ticket. You’ll hop aboard a French-made convertible Citroen 2CV for a driving tour of the city’s cobbled streets, with the iconic car’s roll-back roof allowing you to enjoy the sunshine and breeze as you cruise along. At various stop-offs, your guide will share local stories that add to the experience. It all adds up to a quirky retro experience that will last long in the memory. From €29 per person.
Private Gourmet Treasure Hunt
(Photo: TradiBalade / Courtesy Viator)
Lille has a renowned culinary scene and this tour invites you to get a taste of it for yourself by blending exploration with tasty delights. Over 1 to 2 hours, you and your team of up to 8 people will wander the city’s pretty streets, solving clues in a roadbook while stopping for delicious local specialities including sweet treats and beers. From Vieux-Lille’s quaint alleys to notable landmarks like La Vieille Bourse and Palais Rihour, you’ll get to see Lille’s best bits while filling your stomach with fine French fare. From €25 per person.
Sightseeing Bus Tour
This alternative bus tour promises another hassle-free way to explore Lille. After boarding your comfortable sightseeing bus at Place Rihour, you’ll set off to enjoy a 1.5-hour panoramic ride through the city. As you traverse the streets, you’ll see landmarks like the Grand Place, Lille Opera House and the Chamber of Commerce bell tower, as well as the modern marvels of Lille’s architecture like the MEL, all while learning about the city’s history courtesy of an informative audio guide. The tour ends by returning to the starting point. From €16 per person.