Winter Magic in Lille: Art, Architecture and Old-World Charm on a Festive French Escape

Sal Fasone
Jan 5
4 min read

Lille City Center, Shot on Fijifilm Half X

There are winter breaks and then there are trips that stay with you forever. Our recent Christmas getaway to Lille was profoundly memorable, a blend of old-world European charm, festive sparkle, authentic cultural experiences and one of the most comfortable hotel stays we’ve ever had. From roaming the cobbled streets of Vieux-Lille to stepping back in time inside an Art Deco masterpiece, this was a holiday that delighted with every turn.

A City Steeped in History and Franco-Flemish Character

Lille, nestled in northern France near the border with Belgium, has long been a crossroads of cultures and empires. Its history stretches back through centuries of trade, conflict and resilience, shaping a city that’s vivid, layered and endlessly interesting. Though its story spans back to medieval times, one defining moment came in 1792, during the aftermath of the French Revolution, when the city endured an eight-day siege by Austrian forces and yet refused to yield - a feat still commemorated today at the Grand-Place with the beloved Column of the Goddess.

By the 19th century, Lille had become an industrial powerhouse, particularly in textiles. Under Napoleon’s continental blockade, local cotton and wool industries flourished alongside those in neighbouring Roubaix and Tourcoing, and the city grew rapidly into a vibrant urban hub. Today, Lille’s architectural tapestry reflects this rich past with Gothic churches rub shoulders with Flemish-Renaissance façades, lively squares bustle with seasonal markets, and museums and galleries celebrate both heritage and innovation.

Discovering Lille from a Classic 2CV

One of the most delightful highlights of our trip was the 2CV tour, a whimsical, retro way to explore Lille’s historic heart and surrounding neighbourhoods. Riding through the city in a classic Citroën 2CV felt like something out of a French film: the gentle hum of the engine, crisp winter air on our faces, and our guide sharing stories of Lille’s evolution from an industrial centre to a cultural gem. The tour wove us through hidden passages and grand boulevards, offering a perspective far more personal than any bus tour could provide. Old Lille’s ornate façades, the bustling Grand-Place, and charming side streets that gleamed with festive lights were even more enchanting from the open-top seat of a 2CV.

No visit to Lille would be complete without a trip to La Piscine – Musée d’Art et d’Industrie André Diligent in nearby Roubaix, one of northern France’s most remarkable cultural spaces. What was originally a municipal swimming pool built between 1927 and 1932 by architect Albert Baert, designed as an elegant venue for fitness, hygiene and social mixing amid the city’s burgeoning industrial society which now serves as a museum unlike any other.

This striking Art Deco building, once a bustling gathering place for swimmers from all walks of life, had closed in 1985. Rather than being lost to time, it was transformed after an inspired restoration into a centre for art and industry, opening in 2001.

Walking through La Piscine feels almost cinematic: the warm glow of stained-glass windows reflects off the still water in the central basin, now flanked by sculptures instead of swimmers, while former changing rooms and shower cubicles have been ingeniously repurposed into exhibition spaces that house paintings, textiles, ceramics and decorative arts spanning the 19th and 20th centuries.

The mixture is powerful: graceful Art Deco architecture hugging works by artists such as Camille Claudel, Auguste Rodin and Picasso, all set against the backdrop of Roubaix’s once-booming textile heritage. The museum seamlessly marries the city’s industrial roots with artistic expression, a reminder that culture often blossoms most brilliantly from places with deep historical texture.

Photo provided by Hotl Maison Louise Lille

Our Home Away From Home: Hotel Maison Louise Lille - Handwritten Collection

For accommodation, we chose the Hotel Maison Louise Lille - Handwritten Collection and it proved to be the ideal base for our festive adventure.

From the first moment, the hotel impressed. Its location couldn’t be better a stone’s throw from Lille’s historic core, immersing us in the heartbeat of the city’s winter lights and cultural attractions. The staff were unfailingly warm and attentive, greeting us with genuine French hospitality that made every check-in and check-out feel personal rather than transactional.

Each morning, the breakfast was a feature in its own right, with a delicious spread of fresh pastries, local cheeses, fruit, eggs and more, an indulgent way to start chilly winter days of exploration. But it was the rooms themselves that truly stole our hearts: elegantly appointed, spacious, and quiet, each bed was hands down the comfiest we’ve ever slept in on the road. After long days of sightseeing, returning to such snug comfort felt like a special holiday treat.

It’s rare these days to find a hotel that blends stellar service, generous amenities and that feeling of being genuinely cared for but the Hotel Maison delivered on all counts. In our experience, it truly is one of the best hotels in town.

What captivated us most about Lille was how effortlessly it combined heritage, culture and conviviality. The city’s festive markets, historic squares and grand architecture provided a perfect winter backdrop, while experiences like the 2CV tour and La Piscine brought depth and discovery to our journey. Walking through Lille in December, with lights twinkling, local cafés spilling warmth onto frosty pavements, and museums offering quiet, reflective spaces was deeply rewarding.

Historic yet forward-looking, culturally rich yet warmly welcoming, Lille transformed what could have been a simple long weekend into one of our most cherished holiday escapes.

If you’re looking for a Christmas destination with heart, history and a hint of whimsy, Lille is the place to be and judging by our experience, it’s a trip you’ll treasure long after the decorations come down.