Lille is a large city in the northern France, nicknamed “Capital of Flanders”. It is a vibrant city with an interesting city centre, many monuments and museums. Lille is also a perfect starting point for day trips from Lille by train. You can plan day trips to many places in France, Belgium and even to London.
In the article, I briefly described the places that can be reached by regional trains and Intercity trains of the Belgian railways. If you choose TGV or Eurostar trains, you can quickly get to Paris and London or directly to Brussels. However, these trains are significantly more expensive than regional trains. Regional trains depart from Lille Flandres station, high-speed trains depart from Lille Europe station.
Day train trips from Lille by train
Train Lille – Roubaix
Roubaix – an industrial city on Belgian border. The city is not as beautiful as many cities in region, but you can see the city centre with a nice town hall, the Museum of Art and Industry in the former swimming pool or La Manufacture – textile museum. The city of Roubaix is the popular filming location and is famous for Paris – Roubaix cycling race.
Train Lille – Amiens
Douai – an average town with a pleasant centre. Most interesting attractiona are impressive 80 m Gothic belfry and large the Collegiale Church of Saint-Pierre from 18th century. In the Musee de la Chartreuse visitors can see the collection of the paintings of Flemish and French painters.
Arras – a city with meticulously restored its Old Town destroyed during World War I and World War II. It has two squares – Grand Place and Place des Heroes surrounded by Flemish-Baroque-style townhouses. Most important landmarks are The Hôtel de Ville in Arras and its 75 m tall belfry which serves as a watchtower. Tourists can admire panorama of the city from the belfry. Another attraction is The Boves, a well-preserved underground network of tunnels. The Old Abbey currently houses Museum of Fine Arts. On the outskirts you can visit Vauban Citadel.
Amiens – the capital of the Picardy, severely damaged during World War I and World War II. Most beautiful place in the city is the Saint-Leu quarter north of the city center, rehabilitated in 1990s. You can see many older wooden and brick houses and several canals, restaurant, cafes. 13th century s Cathedral of Notre-Dame is the largest gothic style cathedral in France. The Museum of Picardy exhibits archaeological items and paintings. Amiens is also known for its parks and zoological garden.
Train Lille – Calais or Dunkerque
Armentieres – a town situated on the Belgian border. Worth-see is belfry of Armentières inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and opened for visitors.
Cassel – a small picturesque town. The centre of the town consists a large square and several smaller streets. You can stroll around the town or visit the Collegiale Notre-Dame de la Crypte and Museum Flanders located in the most beautiful building in the town built in the 16th century. The town was built on the slopes of Mont Cassel. At the top of the hill are situated gardens and viewing platforms. The railway station Cassel is located 3 km from the city center.
Saint-Omer – a nice town with not large centre. Visitors can see Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame renowned for its 19th century organs and Rubens paintings, remnants of the fortifications and ruins of the abbey of Saint Bertin close to the railway station. The former hotel was converted into museum of art and regional history. The railway station in Saint-Omer is one of the most beautiful train stations in France.
Calais – the city was severely damaged during World War II and currently it is an average city with some interesting museums, for example Museum of World War II, Museum of Fine Arts, modern City of Lace and Fashion and Mimoyecques – underground tunnels used by Germans during World War II.
Dunkirk – a large harbour and medium-sized city destroyed during World War II. There are two belfries (one of them serves as viewing point), the Church of Saint-Éloi, Town Hall, beaches, Port Museum dedicated to the history of the city and port, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Contemporary Arts and Dunkirk 1940 Museum which presents to Operation Dynamo and the Battle of Dunkirk during World War II. Five kilometers from the city center is located Fort des Dunes – it houses a museum that details its military history and offers guided tours of the fortifications. Dunkirk is also famous for the Dunkirk Carnival.
Train Lille – Lens
Lens – a nothing special excerpt but there is a branch of the Louvre Museum in the town.
Day trips from Lille by train to Belgium
There is a many destinations in Belgium reached by train from Lille. Cross-border trains currently run to Tournai. From Tournai you can easily continue your journey to Brussels and Namur.
Brussels – the capital of Belgium. Close to the Bruxelles-Central station is located Grand Place – a beautiful square surrounded by baroque façades, guildhalls and medieval townhouses. Brussels has many monuments and museum – most important are Atomium with miniature park, Royal Palace of Brussels, Royal Museum of Fine Arts, BELvue Museum focusing on the history of Belgium and Musical Instruments Museum.
Namur – a nice city located at the confluence of the rivers Sambre and Meuse. The impressive Namur Citadel is open to the public. Visitors can can explore the extensive network of tunnels, ramparts, and gardens. You can visit also Baroquee St. Aubin’s Cathedral and Namur Archaeological Museum. In season very popular are cruises on the Meuse River.
Tournai is one of the oldest cities in Belgium. It features small but nice city centre with Notre-Dame Cathedral dominating the city’s skyline and Belfry of Tournai offers panoramic views of the city. There are two interesting museums: Museum of Fine Arts and Tapestry Museum (TAMAT) dedicated to the local tradition of tapestry.
Brugges – one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, often referred to as the “Venice of the North. Beautiful buildings, canals, fairy-tale churches and maze of picturesque streets. You can enjoy panorama of the city from the Belfry – you need to climb the 366 steps but is well worth the effort. Most important museum is Groeningemuseum with impressive collection of Flemish and Belgian art. Worth visiting is also Historium Bruges focusing on the local history and Choco-Story, where you can learn all about the history and production of chocolate.
In the article I described only the most important day trips by train from Lille. There are many more possibilities.
Related articles:
Train travel in France – a comprehensive guide
Train travel in Belgium – a comprehensive guide
