It's no secret that the North of France is known for its rather gray weather. So it's not out of the question that the rain might come during your stay in Lille, but don't panic! For one thing, it doesn't detract from the city's beauty. On the other hand, while you're waiting for milder weather to return, there's plenty to do. What's more, the warmth of the people of the Hauts-de-France region will envelop you in a wave of softness, making bad weather a thing of the past. A city of culture par excellence, Lille is brimming with fascinating museums. Let's take a look at the 13 things to do in Lille when it's raining, so you never get bored!
1. Discover the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse when it rains in Lille
Located in a former medieval hospital, the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse is one of Lille's must-see attractions. It was founded in 1237 on the initiative of Countess Jeanne de Flandre, inside her own palace. Today, this remarkable building remains one of the rare examples of the influence of the Counts of Flanders in the region. On the first floor, you can immerse yourself in the daily life of the Augustinian nuns, in a picturesque period setting. Your visit then takes you to the chapel, pharmacy and medicinal garden, before reaching the nuns' dormitory upstairs. This is where the museum is housed, exhibiting paintings, sacred art andsilverware.
We also recommend this guided tour of Old Lille which takes in the Palais Rihour, the Grand'Place, the old stock exchange, the opera house, the Chamber of Commerce and Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille cathedral. The tour ends near the Hospice Comtesse museum.
2. Immerse yourself in the world of art at Le Tripostal
There's nothing like a visit to the Tripostal to discover Lille in winter or when it's raining. Tucked away in a warm, artistic atmosphere, you're plunged into a fascinating universe. It's neither a museum nor an art center. But then, what is it? It'sa place of modern artistic expression, displaying astonishing life-size works in an unusual open space. Here, we forget stereotypes and let ourselves go in a magical place, 100% artistic, resolutely contemporary.
3. Stroll through the Musée des Canonniers Sédentaires in Lille
Another museum nestled in a religious building! The Musée des Canonniers Sédentaires is housed in the former convent of the Urbanistes, offering a successful immersion in the fascinating history of Lille, from the year 1000 to 1835. Perfect for a rainy day, it houses a collection of 3,000 objects, including rifles, bladed weapons and two Gribeauval cannons, donated by Napoleon Bonaparte as a tribute to the bravery of the canonniers. Along the way, you'll discover how the Confrérie de Sainte-Barbe courageously protected the town. A captivating visit not to be missed!
Petit Futé tip: Get free admission to Lille's tourist sites, including the Musée des Canonniers Sédentaires de Lille, as well asfree, unlimited access to the public transport network by reserving your City pass Lille right here.
4. Visit the Doll and Antique Toy Museum
Your kids will never see their Pokémon and other robots in the same way again after visiting Lille's Musée de la Poupée et du Jouet Antique! Here, old-fashioned dolls and wooden toys are in the spotlight. Parents fall back into childhood, while children are immersed in a not-so-distant past. All this in an enchantment ofamusing objects displayed in the vaulted rooms of the Château de Robersart.
5. Take part in an indoor escape game in Lille
There are plenty of escape games to enjoy when it's raining in Lille. At John Doe, for example, the theme is secret agents. Now you're ready to solve a thrilling investigation! From secret missions to murder parties, there's something for everyone. At Get Out too, you have to solve an enigma in 60 minutes. Cap or no cap? Click here to book your escape game in Lille!
6. Admire the works of art at the Palais des Beaux-Arts
The Palais des Beaux-Arts is one of the best places to visit during a 2-day weekend in Lille. Even before you step inside, the imposing edifice, enthroned in front of a beautiful fountain, is awe-inspiring. Paintings, sculptures and other contemporary works are on permanent or temporary display. We find it both splendid and astonishing, and it makes an excellent outing to do in Lille when it's raining!
7. Visit Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral on a rainy day
Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral is an architectural gem in the heart of Lille. It's definitely worth a visit, especially on a rainy day. Its unique façade combines neo-Gothic and contemporary art, captivating the eye as you stroll through Vieux-Lille. Inside, the light plays with the marble, creating a warm, soothing atmosphere. During your visit, you'll discover superb representations of saints, as well as works that bear witness to the faith of the people of Lille. This cathedral offers a haven of peace and reflection, ideal for escaping from the dreariness of everyday life!
8. Fun in an arcade when it's raining in Lille
How about discovering (or rediscovering) arcade games of yesterday and today? From the best-known to the most atypical, the Atom City arcade has put together a fine collection of game terminals! For a mini-price of €7 per person for the day (2024 rate), you're in for a day of unlimited gaming, as long as it rains in Lille. Family rates apply if you're visiting Lille with your kids. Teens will love it!
9. Discover the Lille Museum of Illusion
Do you like to be surprised and have fun? Head for the Musée de l'Illusion, where visitors mingle with the works of art, trying to understand the optical illusion in which they find themselves. A true cultural UFO, this unusual museum is at once astonishing, immersive and magical. A variety of trompe-l'œil works constantly challenge your perspective on things. Optical illusions are always explained and fascinate young and old alike.
10. What to do when it rains in Lille? Visit the Museum of Natural History
In 2024, Lille's Natural History Museum is getting a makeover! However, while the work is in progress, a number of activities are being organized outside the museum walls. Creative workshops, virtual tours and scientific laboratories are all on offer. Normally, when the museum is open, you'll discover a museum dedicated to the animal world. From the world of the living to the fragility of our ecosystem, the visit is a pure marvel! Children and parents alike are sure to enjoy the many discoveries on offer, thanks to an animal journey that takes you all over the world.
11. Méert waffles, a 100% Lille speciality
Since 1849, the Méert waffle has been delighting the people of Lille. Much more than a simple waffle, it's a brioche delicacy topped with cream à la ville de Madagascar. How can you resist? Many other delicacies await you to complete your gourmet escapade: chocolates, caramels, teas, etc. Méert also boasts a number of high-end restaurants to satisfy your sweet and savoury cravings. One thing's for sure: the renowned delicacies of this top-notch boutique comfort both soul and palate when it's raining in Lille!
12. Visit the Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle
Did you know that Charles de Gaulle was born in Lille? More precisely, in his grandparents' home, to which he often returned during the vacations. Today, the Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle (Charles de Gaulle's birthplace ) is a reconstruction of the family's life in the past. You can see objects directly linked to the President of the Fifth Republic, such as his cradle and christening gown. Visitors are overwhelmed with emotion as they walk on the same ground as this illustrious man, discovering in the process a faithful reproduction of life in Lille over 100 years ago.
Get free admission to Lille's tourist sites, including the Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle, as well asfree unlimited access to the public transport network by reserving your City pass Lille right here.
13. Browse in one of Lille's many bookshops when it's raining
You're strolling peacefully through the streets of Lille when suddenly... it starts raining! Luckily, there's a bookshop within easy reach, as is often the case in the heart of Lille. The best-known of these is Le Furet du Nord. Tens of thousands of books await you, spread over 4,500m². A total of 7 floors of books of all kinds to delight readers. Whether you're young or old, you'll find what you're looking for, or just enjoy strolling between the shelves until the rain stops.
What to do in Lille when it's raining with children?
Whatever the season, Lille is an ideal vacation destination, even with children. There are plenty of child-friendly activities for the whole family to enjoy. Smallicieux, the Lillenium Children's City, is a great idea for an outing with children. Wooden games, water games, workshops, a discovery site and a special effects studio are sure to delight your little ones. Or turn to L'Atelier des chefs when it rains in Lille. Here, parent-child cooking workshops allow you to prepare a delicious dish as a family. American, exotic or Chinese menu, to name but a few, the choice is vast!
Of course, there are also museums accessible to children. The traditional Natural History Museum is a must. The Musée de la Poupée et du Jouet Antique (Doll and Antique Toy Museum) also makes an interesting visit to Lille with children when it's raining. Children (and teenagers and parents!) will also love Lille's Musée de l'Illusion.
Finally, we invite you to discover a very original place with your children: La Luck, an innovative games bar for the whole family. Part brunch, part restaurant, part bar, part board game room, the whole family will have a great time. A game sommelier will personally suggest the right games for you, then explain the rules.
A must-see city in the Hauts-de-France region, less than 2 hours from Paris, Lille reveals its treasures both in its narrow streets and indoors on rainy days. So when the sun returns, you can take full advantage of Vieux Lille and one of the most beautiful squares in the world: the Grand'Place. Not far from Lille, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, we also invite you to discover LaM, the museum of modern art, contemporary art and art brut. Appreciated for its cultural richness, this beautiful city is ideal for a cheap weekend away, without leaving France. Children and parents alike can enjoy themselves here, come rain or shine.
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