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Rijsel
Lille, because of its privileged geographical location, is a real entrance gate for Europe. Given the title of “City of Art and History” in 2004, Lille, a city of rich and colourful architecture, attracts people with its quality of life and dynamism. With a history going back more than 1,000 years, you can walk around the cobbled streets of the old city, discover Vauban’s citadel, the famous Grand Place or the Rue de la Monnaie. The warm welcome of the people of the North is no legend, so let yourself go… Lille, the most Flemish of French cities, is opening its doors to you!
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Lille.
Novotel Lille Centre Grand Place
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It is the coldest temperature ever recorded (minus 19.5) in Lille on 14th January 1982!
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Welcoming about 3 million visitors each first weekend in September, the Braderie is the largest flee-market in Europe.
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Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2005, the City Hall Belfry towers over the city at 104 m.
Museums & exhibitions
The Natural History Museum
Set forth on a family trip that will take you 400 million years back. From the start of the visit you are confronted by the impressive skeletons of sperm whales, blue whales, and many other sea mammals…
A real Ali Baba cave, the exhibition which is ideally presented for children, continues with exotic birds, an insectarium, batrachians, snakes and fish.
19 rue de Bruxelles, Lille – Tel: (+33) 3 28 55 30 80
Open from 9 am to Midday and from 2 pm to 5 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – From 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm on Sunday.
The County Forum for Sciences
Here is the ideal place for inquisitive minds! An area of 3,000 sq. m. aims at making you better understand science and technology. The Planetarium will take the children into a wonderful night discovery of stars and the universe. Exhibitions on various scientific subjects, interactive workshops and animated displays are also there. And for the 3 to 6 year olds, there is a space called “the Small Forum” with entertaining experiments to help them better understand how the world functions!
1 Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, Villeneuve d’Ascq – Tel: (+33) 3 20 19 36 36
Open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5.30 pm and from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The ASNAPIO Archaeological Park
This park spans over 6,000 years of the evolution of man’s habitat in the north of France. Located close to the Parc du Héron de Villeneuve d’Ascq, it stretches over 6 hectares. Its aim is to have young and old understand how human beings use the resources of their environment to survive. Walks, archaeological classes, story reading, it’s all there!
Rue du 8 Mai, Villeneuve d’Ascq - Tel: (+33) 3 20 47 21 99
Open from 2000 pm to 5 pm on Wednesdays and from 3 pm to 7 pm on Sundays (from April to October).
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
Lille’s Zoological Park
Set in the Bois de la Citadelle, Lille’s zoo invites you to discover more than 300 wild animals. Monkey Island, aviaries, Tropical House, African Park, or Panther Rock will delight children who love animals. When leaving the zoo ,stop at the playground and carousel area; it will be a nice ending to a good day.
Parc de Loisir de la Citadelle, Lille – Tel : (+33) 3 20 47 21 99
Open every day from 9 am to 5.30 pm (Summer) and from 10 am to 5 pm (Winter) –Closed from mid-December to mid-February.
Mosaïc, the Garden of Cultures
Discover the whole planet in just one trip! This new place takes young and old alike on a wonderful journey of discovery of Lille’s many different inhabitants. Each garden represents a region of origin of the people of the North. There are rest areas, workshops, playgrounds, and walks where animals are surrounded by colourful and fragrant flowers.. Mosaïc is most certainly a place to be explored with the family. And for a big laugh, go to the Galeries du Scolyte (a small wood eating insect!), a real living maze!
Rue Guy Mocquet, Houlin-Ancoisne – Tel: (+33) 3 02 58 08 61
Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and on Sunday till 7 pm ( April, May, September, October) and every day from 10 am to 7 pm – 8pm on Sunday – (June, July, August).
Kids’voyage’s special treats
Cinq Tailles’s Ornithological Site
About 220 species of birds, almost half the species that can be seen in Europe are here, close to Lille! Set on old industrial sites, these several islets, ponds, meadows and clearings have been created for the joy of the families. 120 hectares, among which 90 ‘green’ hectares plus about 30 hectares of stretches of water, make for a great day out in the open air!
Rue Emile Zola, Thumeries – Tel: (+33) 3 20 86 58 60
Call the site to get the time tables.
Wazemmes’s Market
The largest in the North region, it must not be missed. It takes place in a fun-fair atmosphere, amid colourful stalls and smells of spices. In such cosmopolitan surroundings you will no doubt give in to the temptation of trying dishes full of flavours from all over the world – to be tried on the spot. One thing for sure, you won’t go back empty-handed!
Place de la nouvelle Aventure, Lille
Open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, in the mornings.
La Maison de l’Eau – the Water House
How do we get drinkable water? How does it come to our taps? Find answers to all these questions at the Water House. Through entertaining and educational methods, young and old will discover the different stages involved in water treatment: from the cloud to its use at home and its trip back to nature. Put on your “wet” suit and your hard hat, and off you go for an “aquatic” experience…
Maison de l’Eau, Base des Prés du Hem, Armentières – Tel: (+33) 3 20 44 04 61
Call the Maison de l’Eau for information.
Some good places for a family meal
Aux Moules (Mussels)
Since 1900 this restaurant has become one of the highlights of Lille’s gastronomy. Served in a pleasant atmosphere, its mussels and chips are famous all over the city.
34 rue de Béthune, Lille – Tel: (+33) 3 20 57 12 46
Open every day from Midday to 3 pm and from 6 pm to 11 pm.
Le Roy des Gueux (the King of Ruffians).
Welcome to the Middle-Ages! Sitting at long wooden tables, in a room decorated with suits of armour and coats of arms, you will no doubt have a great time! Provided you book ahead…
51 rue de Puébla, Lille – Tel: (+33) 3 20 54 60 50
Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm and from 6.30 pm to 2 am.
La Chicorée (Endives)
In this typical Northern brasserie, close to the Grand Place, young and old will enjoy traditional dishes, among which the famous mussels and chips.
15 Place Rihour, Lille – Tel: (+33) 3 20 54 81 52
Open every day from Midday.
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels in Lille wish you an excellent stay