We've already strolled through Old Lille, admired the Grand'Place and enjoyed a waffle on our way out of the Palais des Beaux-Arts. In short, Lille has won us over! But let's face it, once we've explored the must-sees of the capital of Flanders, we're tempted to take our breath away. So where can you go for a weekend within 2 hours of Lille? From the seaside towns of the Côte d'Opale to neighboring capitals rich in culture, there's no shortage of ideas for a change of scenery without spending hours on the road. Ready to broaden your horizons? Here are 10 destinations to inspire you!
1. Boulogne-sur-Mer, city of the sea
As soon as we arrived in Boulogne-sur-Mer, we were drawn to the ramparts ... Now we're strolling around, feeling like we've travelled back in time as we discover the old town. Our two days in Boulogne-sur-Mer also enabled us to schedule a visit to the Nausicaá aquarium, with its shark ballet and sea lion games. We also have fond memories of this iodized break at the port, over a delicious seafood platter (yum!), with a view of the fishing boats. What better way to spend a relaxing weekend not far from Lille?
Allow around 1 h 30 for the Lille-Boulogne-sur-Mer journey, by car or train.
Our favorite hotelhôtel Opal' Inn: Although close to everything, including the sea, HôtelOpal' Inn is quiet. Book your room here, and don't hesitate to ask for a terrace with a sea view!
The activity to book for your weekend : book here your entrance ticket to the Nausicaá National Sea Center.
2. Where to go within 2 hours of Lille? Berck
"Yes, there's the sea in Berck! Sound familiar? Well, it's true! It's hard to resist this great beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. It's so good to walk barefoot in the sand, with the sea breeze whipping your face and that feeling of total freedom! But our fondest memory is that moment of zenitude spent watching the seals basking on the sandbanks: a real open-air spectacle! A beautiful, blazing sunset, facing the sea... and we're left with lovely memories engraved forever in our minds.
It takes just two hours to get from Lille to Berck by train or car.
Our favorite hotel la Terrasse de Berck: we found nothing but advantages at La Terrasse de Berck: our dog was welcomed with open arms, the hotel is ideally located, easy to book here and not expensive!
The article to read: Where to go for a weekend less than 2 hours from Marseille? 10 destination ideas for 2025
3. Dunkirk, the corsair town
From Lille, it's only an hour by car or half an hour by train to Dunkirk. Why miss out? Our first objective: a visit to the Espace Tourville, where you can watch the construction of a giant of the seas. Unusual, impressive: we love it! The Musée Maritime et Portuaire rounded off our first visit perfectly. Finally, we headed for the town center, which has retained the charm of the buildings of yesteryear.
Our favorite hotel we were looking for an inexpensive hotel close to amenities in Dunkirk, and we found it at L'Hirondelle. A bonus point for the absolutely succulent breakfast at this inexpensive hotel, which you can book here.
4. Calais, la Reine Dentelle
Calais can be reached in just 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 from Lille. We decided to start with an unusual visit: the Musée de la Dentelle et de la Mode. But let's be honest, the kids especially loved riding on the back of a dragon, with the Compagnie du Dragon: a real thrill! Looking for a photogenic building? We recommend the Hôtel de Ville and the Belfry.
Our favorite hotel our favorite hotel: we fell for the retro charm of theHôtel Richelieu in Calais. Our comfortable room, booked here, enabled us to spend a pleasant, inexpensive weekend near Lille.
5. Where to go within 2 hours of Lille? Amiens
We didn't expect to find so many great things to do in Amiens, whose charm took us by surprise. The canals, known as Hortillonages, add a touch of romance to an already colorful and welcoming picture of old houses, some of them half-timbered. This is also where we found the very interesting Maison de Jules Verne, as well asa petting zoo.
To get to Amiens, the train is the fastest option from Lille (1 h 15). An extra half-hour is needed by car.
Our favorite hotel we found the perfect mix of authenticity and elegance at the Hôtel Le Prieuré. Bookable right here, it's ideally located for your visits to Amiens' medieval quarter.
The activity to book for your weekend a private guided tour of Amiens.
The article to read: Where to go for a weekend less than 2 hours from Nantes in 2025? 10 destination ideas
6. Valenciennes, the Athens of the North
In three quarters of an hour, you've reached Valenciennes from Lille. It's very close, and well worth the visit! From the magnificent Hôtel de Ville to the Citadelle, there's plenty to discover in Valenciennes. Fans of the local soccer club will appreciate a visit to the Stade du Hainaut. And if you're in the area, do what we do: play the gourmet card! Moules / frites, carbonnade flamande or gaufre, you're in for a treat! But what really earns Valenciennes its nickname is its incredible artistic heritage. For example, its Musée des Beaux-Arts houses masterpieces by Rubens and Carpeaux. In short, a real feast for the eyes, as well as the taste buds!
Our favorite hotel we couldn't have chosen a better place to stay than theAuberge du Bon Fermier! The atmosphere is as unusual as it is pleasant, with a mix of brick and old-fashioned decor. We wouldn't hesitate to book a room at this hotel on our next visit.
7. Where to go within 2 hours of Lille? Bruges
Head for Belgium, and more specifically Bruges, just 1 hr 10 min by car from Lille (and 1 hr 30 min by train). Once again, theTown Hall is a must-see in Bruges, before heading off to visit the magnificent Groeninge Museum. In Bruges, we found a city with a beautifully preserved past, as evidenced by its belfry or the city's oldest church, dating back to the Xᵉ century. A pleasant surprise!
Our favorite hotel our favorite hotel: we chose theHôtel Fevery for its peace and quiet, and we weren't disappointed! In just one click, you too can book your bright, cosy and 100% comfortable room.
The activity to book for your weekend a guided tour of Bruges, with optional boat trip and beer tasting.
The article to read: What to do and see in Bruges in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips
8. Antwerp, the city of Rubens
It's impossible to miss the Rubens house, where you can immerse yourself in the world of the Flemish master, with its sumptuous works and decors. The Notre-Dame Cathedral inAntwerp impressed us with its dizzying height and the Rubens paintings (obligatory!) hanging inside. We also fell in love with the MAS, a modern museum on the waterfront, whose panoramic terrace offers an incredible view of the port and the city.
Antwerp can be reached by train or car in around 2 hours from Lille.
Our favorite hotel our favorite hotel: modern and bright, the Hampton by Hilton is a beautiful hotel in downtown Antwerp. Bookable here, it offers pretty, comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
The activity to book for your weekend visit Antwerp 'shistoric old town on foot, rated highly by travelers.
The article to read: Where to spend a weekend less than 2 hours from Paris? 19 destination ideas for 2025
9. Brussels, the city of a thousand faces
How can we talk about Belgium without mentioning Brussels, its capital? And when you think of Brussels, you immediately think of Manneken Pis, one of the city's must-sees, don't you agree? Don't worry, though, there's plenty more to discover in a weekend in Brussels! There are many museums, including the Musée de la Bande-Dessinée, which our kids loved.
Our walk also took us, of course, to the majestic Grand-Place, an architectural jewel that lights up at dusk: an unforgettable memory guaranteed! Add to this a stroll around the Atomium, a futuristic monument that fascinates young and old alike, while offering a breathtaking view of the city. And you've got a great weekend in Brussels!
For a weekend in Brussels, we recommend taking the train from Lille. Forty-five minutes is all it takes, compared with 1 hr. 40 min. by car.
Our favorite hotel our favorite hotel: the refined decor of the Résidence Les Écrins won us over. Ideally located in Brussels, this beautiful hotel also boasts top-notch bathrooms!
The activity to book for your weekend book here your ticket to the Atomium, the city's most popular attraction, a unique creation in the history of architecture.
Petit Futé tip park your car at the hotel and leave it at home! Traffic and parking are difficult in Brussels. It' s better to visit on foot and use the many public transport services.
10. Where to go within 2 hours of Lille? Ghent
A one-hour drive (or 1 hr 15 min. by train) to Ghent will take you to some unexpected surprises! The cheerful and colorful Graslei and Korenlei quays are a great place to start. Our steps then led us to the magnificent Belfry and St. Bavo's Cathedral, proud representatives of the city's heritage. Our fondest memory, however, is of our visit to the castle of the Counts of Flanders, a fascinating period marvel. Time to spare? We recommend booking a boat trip on the river Lys: 100% fun and a change of scenery!
Our favorite hotel our favorite hotel: the calm of the Carlton made our weekend in Ghent a success. When we booked our room here, we discovered a bright, comfortable hotel that was popular with visitors. Zero disappointments!
The activity to book for your weekend a 50-minuteguided boat tour of Ghent's medieval center. You'll see the birthplace of Charles V of Spain, historic churches and an impressive castle.
The article to read: What to do and see in Ghent in 2 or 3 days? Itinerary tips for 2025
For a cheap weekend break in Europe, France and Belgium are good starting points. Accessible in less than 2 hours from Lille, all these destinations promise a wealth of wonderful discoveries! Do you like to travel and are you looking for other articles on this theme? Discover the best places to visit near Lyon, as well as the top 10 places to visit near Bordeaux!
