A city break to Lille, France
Lille has long been on my list of weekend getaways for ages. So, you can imagine how happy I was when I purchased return train tickets for £80 in the Eurostar sale. It was a great bargain as train tickets in England cost more for weekend breaks to Manchester and Edinburgh. And that’s without leaving the UK!
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The train journey from London St Pancras to Lille Eurostar station is just an hour and a half. Making the journey to Lille fast and convenient for a long weekend or for a day trip.
WHERE IS LILLE?
Lille is on the northern part of France and close to the border of Belgium. It’s a beautiful city with stunning architecture, boutique stores, cosy cafes, bookstores, and a massive Westfield shopping Centre.
WHERE TO STAY IN LILLE
Just a stone’s throw from Lille Eurostar station is Mama Shelter. A vibrant, eccentric, and contemporary hotel. It really knows how to make an impression. Or knows how to throw a party! The hotel’s standout features are its designs and colors, ranging from retro to quirky furniture and patterns.
ROOMS AT MAMA SHELTER
Each room boasts a quirky and creative design, featuring an abundance of patterns, bursts of color, and masks on lamps. There are thoughtful touches around the room. These include a laundry paper bag and clothes hangers produced from reclaimed wood. The bathrooms feature products from Mama Shelter’s own range. The hallways are dimly lit, and mirrors in the lift have colorful written messages. I loved the creative vibes here.
Eat at Mama Shelter restaurant
The restaurant is vibrant and roomy, offering excellent food and breakfast for guests. Mama Shelter is known for its outstanding cuisine, and I can confirm that the food lived up to expectations. The breakfast options were really good, and thought the layout was set up well. One end of the room has a variety of fruits, cereal, and cold drinks. The other end has bread, cheese, scrambled eggs, bacon, and many hot options.
What I loved about Mama Shelter
The location is a winner for me without a doubt. It is very central and convenient. It is just a 5 minutes walk from Lille Eurotstar station. I also love the cool vibrant colors and retro furniture and different style throughout the hotel.
Room for improvement
There are no kettles in the rooms. If you want a hot drink, you need to go to the hotel’s bar which I found expensive. I paid €5 for a hot chocolate not great if you’re a guest at the hotel. But I guess it’s every way you go, inflation has increased.
If you’re visiting in summer months on Saturday nights, the hotel throws a party on the rooftop terrace. The party goes on throughout the night. Not complaining as I sometimes enjoy a party but if your room is close by, the noise can be too much at night.
What is near Mama Shelter?
A short walk from Mama Shelter will take you right in the heart of the city. It is very pretty, relaxed, and full of historical buildings. As you continue to walk towards the old town of Le Vieux Lille, you will find breathtaking architecture. You will see quaint cobbled streets. Boutique shops, quaint cafes, art galleries, hidden gardens, and a maze of alleyways.
Don’t miss a chance to indulge in delicious pastries and cakes at Elizabeth’s cafe on Basse street. They serve homemade sandwiches, cakes, cookies and more! I recommend trying the carrot cake, it’s one of the best I’ve had.
Visit the city’s iconic landmark The Notre Dame De La Treille and check out its stunning Gothic architecture.
THINGS TO DO IN LILLE
If you’re visiting for a weekend like I did, I suggest to check out these activities to do in Lille.
Lille: Express walking tour with a local Explore Lille by foot with a local. Hear about the history of this 4th largest city of France.
Lille Driving Tour by convertible Enjoy a ride in a classic Citroen 2CV and explore the charming streets of Lille.
Lille City Tour Hop on a city bus, seat back and take in the beauty of Lille.
For more activities, book on Viator or Get Your Guide. These are the best booking platforms. They have great deals all over the world.
If you’re looking for more travel inspiration read my blog on where to stay in Paris.
Hotels in Lille centre
If Mama Shelter is not your cup of tea, I recommend these fantastic hotels all within walking distance to Lille Eurostar and the city center.
Novotel Lille Centre Grand Place ££
Key Takeaways
- Lille offers a convenient weekend getaway from London, with train tickets available for £80 and a journey time of just 1.5 hours.
- The city features beautiful architecture, boutique stores, and cozy cafes, making it an enjoyable destination.
- Mama Shelter provides a vibrant stay with quirky designs, a lively restaurant, and a central location just minutes from the Eurostar station.
- Guests should note that there’s no kettle in the rooms and can expect some noise from rooftop parties during summer stays.
- Nearby attractions include historical buildings, artisanal bakeries, and options for guided tours to explore Lille further.
Check out these posts for more travel inspiration.
Travellers Stays
Travellers Stays is a travel blog by a solo female traveler, sharing travel guides, honest hotel reviews and solo tips to help readers plan unforgettable trips.
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