Family-Friendly Adventures in Lille, Hauts-de-France!

Lille Town Hall and Belfry (Beffroi de l"Hôtel de Ville de Lille)

Why Visit?

Welcome to a family-friendly day at the majestic Lille Town Hall and Belfry! Here’s your fun-filled itinerary for exploring this iconic landmark.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration of Lille Town Hall

Start your day at the heart of Lille by visiting the Lille Town Hall. Easily accessible by public transit, take the Metro line 2 to Mairie de Lille station. The grandiose architecture of the town hall is not only a visual treat but also a testament to Lille"s rich history.

Interesting Fact: The Lille Town Hall was rebuilt in 1924 after being destroyed during World War I. Its architectural style is a blend of Flemish and Art Deco, making it unique.

Mid-Morning: Climb the Belfry

No visit is complete without climbing the Belfry. Standing at 104 meters, it’s the tallest municipal building in France. Purchase your tickets at the reception. There are 400 steps, but don"t worry, there"s also an elevator! The climb leads to an observation deck that offers panoramic views of Lille and beyond.

Interesting Fact: The Belfry of the Town Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France.

Lunch Break

After your descent, enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the nearby cafes around Place Charles de Gaulle, just a short walk from the Town Hall. Try some local dishes like Carbonnade flamande or a hearty Tarte à Maroilles.

Afternoon: Interactive Activities

Post-lunch, join in on a guided tour available in English and French, perfect for families. It highlights the hall’s historical significance and its role today. Afterwards, participate in a treasure hunt designed for children, available at the reception, making the history of Lille engaging and fun.

End your visit by dropping by the gift shop for some souvenirs to commemorate your family"s adventure in Lille. Enjoy your educational and exciting day at the Lille Town Hall and Belfry!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Lille Old Town (Vieux Lille)

Why Visit?

Welcome to Vieux Lille, the charming historic heart of Lille, where cobblestone streets and vibrant culture create a perfect setting for a family adventure!

Morning: Exploring Palais des Beaux-Arts

Start your day at the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France"s largest museums, just outside Vieux Lille. Take a short walk from Lille Flandres or Lille Europe station, and immerse yourself in the art and sculptures dating from the 15th century to the present. Fun fact: the museum houses Europe’s second-largest collection of fine arts after the Louvre!

Midday: Lunch and Stroll in Vieux Lille

Head to Vieux Lille for lunch. Enjoy traditional French cuisine at a local bistro like "Aux Moules", famous for its mussels and fries, a regional favorite. Post lunch, wander through enchanting streets like Rue de la Monnaie and admire the mix of Flemish and French architecture. Don’t miss the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle, now a fascinating museum about his life, perfect for history buffs!

Afternoon: Discover the Hospice Comtesse

A few steps away is the Musée de l"Hospice Comtesse, a museum set in a former hospital built in 1237. The building itself is a marvel, with its wooden facade and baroque chapel. Inside, explore exhibits depicting life in Lille through centuries, with rooms furnished as they would have been in the 17th century.

Evening: Sweet Treats and Shopping

End your day back in the bustling heart of Vieux Lille. Treat the kids (and yourselves) to some delightful sweets from Meert, a local patisserie famous for its waffles and chocolates. Browse through shops along Rue Esquermoise, where quaint boutiques offer a variety of unique goods, from French fashion to handcrafted toys.

Enjoy your family-friendly journey through Lille"s enchanting Old Town, where history and culture come alive at every corner!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Discovering History at Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your poignant journey at Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, located in Fromelles, France. The most convenient route is flying into Lille Airport, just a 30-minute drive away. Alternatively, take a scenic train ride from Paris to Lille, and then a short local bus or taxi ride to Fromles.

On arrival, take a leisurely walk through the cemetery, where 250 British and Australian soldiers from World War I are laid to rest. These soldiers fell during the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916, the first major battle on the Western Front involving Australian troops. The site serves as a poignant reminder of the war"s impact on Allied forces.

Midday: Interactive Learning

Continue your visit at the Fromelles Museum, just a 5-minute walk from the cemetery. This modern museum offers interactive exhibits that are both child-friendly and informative. Engage with the digital displays and educational films that vividly recount the history of the Battle of Fromelles and its significance. Children can participate in a scavenger hunt provided by the museum, making the learning experience exciting and interactive.

Afternoon: Reflective Activities

Return to Pheasant Wood Cemetery for a guided tour. These tours are often led by knowledgeable local guides and provide deeper insights into the individual stories of the soldiers. This personal touch helps children understand the human side of history, fostering empathy and reflection.

Practical Tips

- Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the designated areas, as dining options are limited nearby.

- Wear comfortable walking shoes.

- Check the weather forecast; bring raincoats or sunscreen as necessary.

End your visit by leaving a small token of remembrance at the cemetery, a touching tribute to those who sacrificed their lives over a century ago. This visit not only educates but also connects the family with historical events in a meaningful way.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hospice Comtesse Museum (Musée de l"Hospice Comtesse)

Why Visit?

Welcome to an enchanting family day out at the Hospice Comtesse Museum in Lille, France!

Morning: Arrival and Exploration of Hospice Comtesse Museum

Start your journey by arriving at the museum located on 32 Rue de la Monnaie in the vibrant Vieux Lille district. Easily accessible by bus (stop: Lion d"Or) or a short walk from the Gare Lille Flandres metro station, the museum is nestled in a historic hospital founded in 1237 by the Countess Jeanne of Flanders.

Engaging Fact: The building itself is a lesson in medieval architecture, having served the community as a hospital until 1939. As you wander through, marvel at the preserved wards, the stunning chapel, and the old kitchens, where children can imagine life in the medieval times.

Lunch Break: Picnic at Jardin Vauban

Just a 10-minute walk from the museum, enjoy a family picnic at the serene Jardin Vauban, Lille"s 19th-century English-style garden. It"s a wonderful spot for kids to play and for adults to relax by the meandering waterways.

Afternoon: A Stroll through Vieux Lille

Post lunch, take a leisurely stroll back through the quaint streets of Vieux Lille. This area is dotted with beautiful old buildings and delightful shops. Stop by a local bakery to taste a traditional French pastry, a treat loved by both kids and adults.

Evening: Puppet Show at Le P"tit Jacques

Wrap up your day with a captivating puppet show at Le P"tit Jacques, a renowned puppet theatre that"s just a 15-minute walk from the museum. Shows typically start in the late afternoon and are a magical way to end your day, immersing the family in a cherished French cultural tradition.

Enjoy your family day at the Hospice Comtesse Museum, where history, culture, and fun blend seamlessly for a memorable experience!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Grand Place

Why Visit?

Welcome to Brussels" enchanting Grand Place, a must-visit for families exploring Belgium"s rich history and vibrant culture!

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by arriving at Grand Place before the crowds. You can take the metro to either Bourse (Line 3 or 4) or Gare Centrale (Lines 1 and 5), both a short walk to the square. As you step into the Grand Place, you"ll be surrounded by opulent baroque and gothic buildings that date back to the 14th century.

Guided Tour

Consider booking a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the square. Tours often begin around 10 AM and last about an hour, perfect to keep young ones engaged. Kids will love hearing about the legendary events, like the bombardment of 1695, that shaped this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the City Museum

Head to the Maison du Roi, or the City Museum, located right on the square. The museum showcases the rich history of Brussels and features costumes of the Manneken Pis, another attraction that kids find amusing. It’s interactive and educational with multimedia displays that children will find engaging.

Lunch Break

For lunch, grab a bite at one of the family-friendly cafes around the square. Belgian waffles and fries are must-tries and are sure to be a hit with the kids.

Afternoon at the Belgian Comic Strip Center

After lunch, take a 10-minute walk to the Belgian Comic Strip Center to explore the world of Tintin, the Smurfs, and other comic legends. It’s a fun way to introduce children to art and literature in a very visual and interactive setting.

Evening Lights

Wrap up your visit by experiencing the Grand Place’s evening illumination. As the buildings light up, the square turns magical, a perfect ending to an enchanting day.

Enjoy your family day at the Grand Place, where history, culture, and fun blend seamlessly!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.