Lille is a city of red-brick town houses, paved pedestrian streets and a central Grand'Place, sitting in French Flanders close to the Belgian border. Its historic heart, Old Lille, keeps the 17th-century architecture and the old street pattern, while the Euralille business district, built from 1988, and the arrival of the TGV and Eurostar in 1994 pulled the city's transport and commercial weight toward the stations.
For a visitor, the practical question is whether to base yourself in the historic centre, near the stations, or further out along the metro. The areas below are the ones the source material supports, followed by what each level of accommodation generally looks like and which area to pick for a first visit.
Best areas to stay in Lille
1. Old Lille (Vieux Lille)
This is the historic centre, characterised by 17th-century red brick town houses, paved pedestrian streets and the central Grand'Place. It is the most central base for a first visit, putting you within walking distance of the old town's streets and squares.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be on foot rather than relying on transport. Accommodation here includes no-frills options close to the old town as well as places in very central locations. Expect pedestrian streets and paved surfaces rather than a car-friendly layout.
2. Around the stations and Euralille
The Euralille business district was built in 1988 and is where the TGV and Eurostar connections arrive, making this the natural base if you are coming and going by train or coach. The source material places apartment-style accommodation near the railway station here, with long-distance coaches stopping nearby.
It suits travellers arriving by train, those wanting self-catering facilities, and families needing space. One practical point from the source: this area is a bit of a walk from the historic city centre, and the accommodation here has no views to speak of.
3. Around Place Saint-Maurice
A very central location, peacefully overlooking a church, according to the source. It sits within the central area rather than on its edge, so it works as a base for walking to the old town and the Grand'Place.
It suits visitors who want central access without being on the busiest streets. The source notes the church outlook as the defining feature of the setting.
4. Southern Lille (near the metro)
The southern part of Lille is about a ten-minute ride on the subway from the centre of town. The source describes the area as seeming a bit intimidating on first arrival but actually being quite quiet, with fairly basic accommodation.
It suits budget-conscious travellers who do not mind a short metro ride into the centre. The practical point is the metro connection: about ten minutes to the centre, which keeps the centre within easy reach.
5. Porte de Valenciennes area
This area, in the east of the city, is served by the Porte de Valenciennes metro station, roughly 400 m from the accommodation the source lists there. It is a hostel-oriented corner of the city rather than a sightseeing base.
It suits budget travellers and those using hostel-style accommodation. The practical point is the metro: you are a short walk from the station and then a ride from the centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostel-style accommodation with shared rooms, and no-frills chain hotels, including some close to the old town and others a short metro ride out.
- Mid-range: basic but clean central hotels, including some in very central locations and some overlooking a church; apartment-style residences with kitchen areas, near the station.
- Splurge: luxury hotels in the centre of Lille, and spacious studio apartments for up to three adults or a family of four, with both a bath and a shower and basic self-catering facilities.
Best area for a first visit
Old Lille (Vieux Lille) is the best base for a first visit, because it is the historic centre and puts the Grand'Place, the red-brick town houses and the pedestrian streets within walking distance. You can stay centrally and see the old town on foot, rather than treating it as a trip from a station-side base. If you are arriving by train and leaving the same way, the station and Euralille area is the more practical alternative, at the cost of a walk to the historic centre.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Old Lille or near the station?
Old Lille puts you in the historic centre with its pedestrian streets and Grand'Place. The station and Euralille area is convenient for the TGV, Eurostar and long-distance coaches, but it is a bit of a walk from the historic city centre.
Is there accommodation outside the centre for less?
Yes. The source describes basic accommodation in the southern part of Lille, about a ten-minute subway ride from the centre, and hostel-style accommodation near the Porte de Valenciennes metro station.
Can I stay somewhere with kitchen facilities?
Yes. Apartment-style residences near the railway station include a separate kitchen area with stove, microwave, fridge and dishwasher, and studio apartments with basic self-catering facilities including a microwave.
Is the area around the station noisy or out of the way?
The source notes that the station-side accommodation has no views to speak of and is a bit of a walk from the historic city centre, so treat it as a transport base rather than a sightseeing one.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.