Lille and Bruges Short Break – TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!
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Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
Lille is a surprising city, full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered and Bruges is one of the best-preserved small cities in Europe. Combine both of these cities and enjoy a short break full of memorable experiences.
Just a short drive from Calais, Lille is renowned for its outstanding Flemish architecture and rich history. It is 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 as you pass under many of it’s quaint bridges or a romantic horse and carriage ride.
Dates
Selected dates (arrival Fridays) in 2026 and 2027 on request
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Lille
Take the short sea crossing to France and travel to Lille for a 3 nights stay at Novotel Lille Lesquin.
Day 2
Lille Sightseeing
Meet up with a local guide for a city tour to see La Vielle Bourse, the old stock exchange and Lille’s most beautiful building, the Opera and the Belfry of the Chamber of Commerce, Palais des Beaux Arts and the landmark of the city. After the tour, the afternoon is free explore the old town with its trendy boutiques and historic buildings and get some lunch. Maybe climb the steps of the town hall’s belfry, the largest Belfry in Belgium and France or stroll around the Grand Place.
Alternatively, head to the Wazemmes Market. Here, you can pick up your best bargains from the many stalls and sample some of the local cuisine prepared on the spot. The indoor market is open Tuesday-Sunday and the outdoor market is open Tuesday/Thursday and Sunday (the most popular day).
Day 3
Bruges Sightseeing
Make the short journey over the border and 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 (entrance cost not included).
See the sights of the city from a different angle and take to the canals with an included 30 minutes boat cruise. For the adventurous, perhaps climb the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry for a birds eye view across the rooftops. A horse and carriage ride is another way to see the city.
Return to Lille for an evening at leisure.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Drive to the ferry port for the short sea crossing to the UK.
Suggested hotels
4* Novotel Lille, Lesquin
The hotel is set in woodland and located a 10 minute drive to the centre of Lille. The hotel offers spacious bedrooms which are well equipped with tea/coffee making facilities, mini-fridge, free bottled water, satellite TV and Wi-Fi Internet access. There are two dining areas, a bar and terrace. Other hotel facilities include free coach parking in the hotel’s large car park, outdoor pool and fitness area.
4* Mercure Lille, Lesquin
4* Hotel Alize, Mouscron
Group lunches and/or dinners can be arranged at the hotel or local restaurant – please ask for details
4* Novotel Lille, Lesquin
| Departure date (Arrival Fridays) | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| Selected dates in 2026 & 2027 | From £185.00 per person | From £85.00 per person |
