Lille and Bruges Short Break
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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
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.
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.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024 and 2025 on request
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Lille
Take the short sea crossing from Dover to Calais and travel onwards to Lille for the next 3 nights. After check-in at the hotel, spend some time exploring Lille.
Day 2
Lille Sightseeing
Explore Lille, the ‘Capital des Flandres’, at your own pace. 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.
Recommended optional extra – The 24 hour Lille City Pass gives you free access to the must-see sites and visits including
City Tour, guided tour of Old Lille, La Piscine museum, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Hôtel de Ville belfry, Hospice Comtesse, General de Gaulle’s birthplace… and much more. Local transport is also free – Metro, bus and tram in Lille for the 24 hours. Please ask for further details.
Day 3
Bruges Sightseeing
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 (which has been included). 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.
For chocolate and beer lovers there is the option to visit the Choco-Story museum which includes demonstrations of chocolate making together with tastings and the options to make purchases or head to the De Halve Maan brewery for a tour and tasting of the local beers.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Drive to Calais for the short sea ferry to the UK.
Greatdays offer a selection of good quality hotels in Lille.
| 4 days | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2024 | Price on request | Price on request |
| 2025 | Price on request | Price on request |
