Lille is one of those charming French cities that's just waiting to welcome you with open arms. The hospitality of the Hauts-de-France region is well known by now (thanks Dany Boon!), so don't hesitate for a second. This destination in the heart of France's heritage becomes even more tempting when you know that there are plenty of free activities waiting for you in Lille. From the Vieille Bourse to free shows and the city's beautiful parks, treat yourself for free!
1. Free activities in Lille: Citadelle Park
Visit parc de la Citadelle is one of the things to do on a weekend in Lille. It's a park that's part nature, part history and part sport, all set against the backdrop of Vauban's famous Citadelle. What more could you ask for? Oh yes, it's free, and a delight for locals and visitors alike. However, only the park is free. Access to the interior of the Citadelle is possible on a guided tour (excluding the military area, of course), but this is a paid service.
Good to know: a number of geolocated itineraries allow you to discover the park's secrets in greater depth.
2. Stroll through Old Lille to soak up the atmosphere
There's nothing like a stroll through an old town to understand its soul. It's one of the best free things to do in Lille, so you can discover the city from top to bottom, without ever having to pay to admire its architecture. Vieux Lille is a veritable labyrinth, taking you step by step from the Grand'Place to the Rue Basse, via the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille cathedral.
3. Laugh it up at Loko Comedy Club, it's free!
See a comedy show for free? Here's a great way to round off a day out in Lille, at the Loko Comedy Club. Although you'll be asked to order a small drink, it's nothing compared to the usual price of admission to a show. Go for it!
4. Follow Lille's cycling route, a free and sporty activity
Here's the top free activity to do in Lille when you want to get moving! The 17-kilometer cycle route takes you to the city's main "nature spots": Jardin des Plantesjardin des Plantes, educational farm, giant garden, Parc de la Citadelle and many more. It's a great way to visit the city for free, other than on foot, and see life in green for free!
The article to read: 7 must-do activities in Lille this winter!
5. Admire the Vieille Bourse, Lille's emblematic monument
The Vieille Bourse is undoubtedly one of the must-sees in Lille during your stay. This superb 17thᵉ century building, richly decorated, meets the high architectural standards of the time. Theinfluence of the Flemish Renaissance can be felt in every ornamental detail that makes this building so unique.
Good to know: the courtyard of the Vieille Bourse is open to second-hand booksellers every afternoon, except Mondays.
6. Free activities in Lille: go green at the Louvre-Lens Park
Located on a former coal mine, the Parc du Louvre-Lens Park offers a unique bucolic stroll in Lille. Surrounding the museum of the same name, it offers a wide variety of verdant discoveries to take you on a pleasant stroll. In all, more than 20 hectares are home to a variety of tree species, a pond, a mini orchard and numerous animals that roam freely in this green space.
7. Unusual and free: discover the astonishing setting of the Cimetière de l'Est
Visiting a cemetery may seem out of place for some people, but some of them are really worth a visit. Far from being incongruous, this respectful stroll invites you to discover the verdant setting of the Cimetière de l'Est. Set in the heart of a vast natural park, it has preserved its natural beauty, ideal for a final resting place.
Read the article: What to do in Hauts-de-France The 17 must-sees
8. Browse the shelves of Librairie Furet du Nord
Here's an ideal activity to do in Lille when it's raining, and one that will delight little bookworms! Located on Place du Général de Gaulle, the Librairie Furet du Nord with its striking two-storey architecture. With its beautiful white balustrades and huge shelves arranged over several levels, it offers a whole new dimension to the concept of the bookshop. Of course, if you fall for a book or two, it's no longer free, but you don't have to. You can also simply enjoy an original discovery tour.
9. Lille's free activities at Saint-Sauveur station
In 2009, the saint-Sauveur station station was refurbished and transformed into a cultural center. Exhibitions and other events are held there from spring to autumn. It's possible to enjoy art exhibitions free of charge. Surely one of the best free activities in Lille!
Good to know: an urban farm and a bistro, regularly hosting concerts and other events, are also available on the Saint-Sauveur site.
10. Lille Zoo, free under certain conditions
The Lille Zoo, located in the Parc de la Citadelle, is not free for all, but some have this privilege. This is particularly true for residents of Lille, Hellemmois and Lommois, who can enter free of charge on presentation of their Lille&moi Pass. Children under 5 also enjoy free admission to Lille Zoo. For everyone else, prices range from €1.50 to €6 (2024 rates).
11. Free activities in Lille: free museums
As in all major cities, many museums are free on the 1st Sunday of the month:
- The birthplace of Charles de Gaulle la Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle: immerse yourself in the daily life of Charles de Gaulle as a child, in this museum housed in the house where he was born.
- Palais des Beaux-Arts: classical, neoclassical, impressionist, contemporary masterpieces and more.
- The Natural History Museum: marine, land and flying animals, insects and dinosaurs delight young and old alike.
- Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse: Lille's art and history museum.
Good to know: Lille's belfry is also free to visit, every first Wednesday of the month!
Can I visit Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral for free?
That depends on who you are! Admission to Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille is free for :
- under-18s,
- students
- job-seekers,
- holders of a press card, disability card or handicap card,
- members of the "Amis de la Cathédrale ND de la Treille" association,
- employees of the Lille diocese and members of the clergy.
For all others, guided tours (to be booked in advance) range from €4 to €6 (2024 rates).
Petit Futé Tip: to make the most of Lille in 24 or 48 hours, opt for the City Pass Lille by booking it here. It offers free transport and access to numerous museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
And there you have it, a free tour of Lille and a chance to admire its finest treasures! And did you know that Lille is home to one of Europe's finest Christmas markets? A great opportunity to discover or rediscover the city in winter: kids will love it! And just as well, because Lille is a trendy destination to consider if you're looking for a nice, inexpensive place to visit in France. Located less than 2 hours from Paris, the capital of the Hauts-de-France region has more than one trick up its sleeve to surprise you. And when it's free, it's even better!
Discover the most popular things to do in Lille:
