Lille and Bruges with Party Night!
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Horse and carriage ride in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
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Begijnhof in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
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Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
Highly Recommended Short Break to Bruges
Lille is a surprising city, full of hidden gems and just waiting to be discovered. Bruges is one of the best-preserved small cities in Europe. Combine both Lille and Bruges and enjoy a short break full of memorable experiences. Travelling at the end of the summer, before the cities return to their usual business, is a great time to appreciate bargain rates!
Beer and belfries, chocolate and canals
Just over an hour from Calais, known for its outstanding Flemish architecture, Lille has a rich history. One of the most important towns in northern France, there is much to discover in the bustling city, with many green spaces. Perhaps take a stroll through the maze of cobbled lanes in Lille’s old town. Feast your eyes on the ornate 17th century Vieille Bourse, the city’s finest building, and the Grand Place, the favourite meeting place of the Lillois.
Bruges needs no introduction. Beautiful architecture and picturesque canals await around every corner. Explore the old town and experience the Belgian lifestyle. Another important aspect of visiting Bruges is visiting chocolate shops and sampling the local beers. See the towering Belfry dominate Bruges’ old market square or watch the swans swim serenely on the Lake of Love. Art lovers should take the opportunity to visit the Notre Dame church which houses Michelangelo’s Madonna. Also embark on a canal cruise to see the city from a different perspective. During your leisurely cruise, wind through the city and pass under the many bridges.
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Dates
Weekends throughout 2023 and 2024
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Lille
Cross the Channel from Dover to France. Arrive at your hotel, the Hotel MERCURE Lesquin, Lille for the next three nights.
Day 2
Full Day in Lille
Today, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the city of Lille, the ‘Capital des Flandres’. Take a walk along the tangle of cobbled streets in the old town – Le Vieux Lille. Feast your eyes on the ornate 17th century Vielle Bourse, Lille’s finest building, then perhaps stop in a café in the Grand Place and watch the Lillois going about their business.
The Palais des Beaux-Arts museum is home to France’s second largest art collection after the Louvre, with works by Goya, Rembrandt and Rubens. Alongside the highbrow culture, Lille is historically a market town. The Wazemmes market in the city centre (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays) sells everything from fruit and vegetables to furniture and electronics. An optional guided walking or bus tour of Lille.
Day 3
Full Day in Bruges
Today, cross into Belgium to travel to Bruges to explore the many waterways and the beautiful buildings that give this little city the nickname ‘The Venice of the North’. The Grote Markt, the main square in the centre of Bruges, is bounded by colourful, ornate, historic gable-housed buildings. On one side of the square is ‘Historium Bruges’, an interactive experience telling the story of Bruges from the 13th century to the present day.
See the sights of the city from a different angle and take to the canals with a 30min boat cruise included in the package. For the adventurous, perhaps climb the steps to the top of the Belfry for panoramic views across the rooftops. An optional guided walking or boat tour is available.
Day 4
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Lille and head for Calais and return home.
Suggested hotels
Mercure Lille Hotel, Lesquin ****
Visited by Great days staff in March 2023
The Mercure Hotel is located a 10 minute drive to the centre of Lille. The hotel has recently been refurbished and offers spacious bedrooms which are well equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV and Wi-Fi Internet access and provide a comfortable living space. Also inside the hotel, guests will find 2 restaurants and 1 bar. Choose from traditional and regional French cuisine or from a brasserie menu. The bar, La Lanterne, serves snacks and provides musical entertainment. Other hotel facilities include Free coach parking in the hotel’s large car park.
| 4 days | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| Dates throughout 2024 | From £265.00 per person | Price on request |
