Our size? community is a big part of what makes us who we are, with roots across the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia and as far as Canada, we thrive on the unique cultures that are all part of the bigger picture. With three locations in France already (Paris, Marseille and Toulouse), we’re super excited to announce that we’re now open in Lille as of 09.08.2024! 

Lille is known for its breathtaking architecture and Flemish influence, and as a city built on history, it has a lot to offer. The rhythm of Lille is like no other, and with a big student population, there’s a thrilling pulse of new ideas and mixed cultures racing down the 17th-century cobbled streets. We chose this city as a new place to call home due to its thriving art, food and social scene. It’s also a haven for trainer lovers and has a solid sneaker culture.

Places to visit in Lille

Known as a vibrant university city and cultural hub, Lille has lots to offer with plenty of things to do and see. Walking around the capital of the Hauts-de-France region, you’ll immediately be impressed – the baroque-style architecture alone is enough to captivate visitors. 

Start with Lille’s largest square, Place du Général de Gaulle, or Grand Place, home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings. As you wander across the smooth cobbles of the square, you can stop at a number of cafes or restaurants and soak in the atmosphere. While you’re there, you can check out the Vieille Bourse book market in the Old Stock Exchange – a majestic 17th-century building. Here, you can pick up a secondhand book or two for your collection, or simply marvel at your surroundings.

Next, you can’t visit Lille without heading to the Citadelle de Lille and its surrounding Parc de la Citadelle. The Vauban-designed star-shaped fort was built between 1667 and 1670, it’s still army-occupied but is open to the public. Lush green lawns and woodland surround the historical monument, forming a green lung in the centre of the city – think dreamy waterways, photo-worthy bridges and picnic spots, there’s even a zoo on the grounds.

For more architectural masterpieces, make sure you stop by the Porte de Paris, built between 1685 and 1692 to celebrate the Sun King’s victory. Otherwise, why not head over to Wazemmes, especially on a Sunday when you can catch the markets? The authentic, artsy feeling of the neighbourhood is ideal for those looking for a buzzy atmosphere, creative shops and stalls, and of course, lots of places to get something delicious to eat.

Places to eat and drink in Lille

Food and drink are a very important part of any trip, which is why we’ve taken local advice when curating our recommendations. We started close to home with the first one – Mamatte Café is just next door to our new size? location in Lille on Place Rihour. Mamatte is a casual bakery where you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch and coffee at your own pace – think artisanal bread, french pastries and good coffee. Shopping in size? and then a little lunch? Sounds perfect.

The next stop on our tour of culinary delights is CUP Tiny Café, located on Rue de Bouchers – a cool neighbourhood with a host of shops, bars and restaurants. This small but mighty joint is well worth visiting, serving up homemade treats made with local products, it’s a real gem. If you’re vegan or gluten-free this is the place to get your baked goods fix.

When it comes to eating out in Lille, you really are spoilt for choice. From traditional French cuisine with a strong Flemish influence to exciting fusion options, food is taken seriously in this city. Some of the best restaurants in Lille can be found in the popular area of Rue de Gand in the old town district, Vieux Lille. If you’re one for traditional, regional cuisine, then we recommend trying Welsh in a local Estaminet. Originally from – you guessed it – Wales with its import dating back to 1544. Popular in the Hauts-de-France region, it usually consists of cheese, ham, egg and toasted bread melted in beer. Bon Appétit!

If you fancy a drink, we recommend heading to Vieux Lille again, where you’ll come across some great bars and pubs where you can get everything from French wine to beer and cocktails. The renowned Massena district is the place to be for a nice party atmosphere. La Relève is a club launched by students for students, the minimalist interior sets the scene for the sounds of electro music, while La Boucherie with its meat hook decor is a small but popular venue with a little something for everyone.

Museums to visit in Lille

Lille, a city that moves so easily with modernity has so much visible history in its streets, its buildings, and of course, its museums. As former Lille resident (and former President of France) Charles de Gaulle, once said, “Yes, it’s true, nowhere better than in Lille, I feel in correspondence, in union with those who live, with these stones, these streets, these monuments”. Couldn’t have said it better ourselves. That’s why we started with Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle, the birthplace of the celebrated Frenchman that offers an insight into his early years and Lille in the 19th century.

Now for some art, the Palais des Beaux-Arts (Palace of Fine Arts) in Vieux Lille is a must-see. Originally built in 1809, the building itself is enough to impress and is one of the biggest of its kind in France – and one of the first. The museum boasts an eclectic mix of old and new, ancient and modern art. You can easily get lost in the masterpieces for hours at a time, and we recommend you do just that.

Last on our whistlestop tour of museums in Lille, a former hospital-turned-art-and-history-museum. The hospital, founded in – are you ready? – 1237, is the product of love and care, a couple of fires, a few rebuilds, and a lot of history. Nowadays, you can immerse yourself in atmospheric rooms, colourful architecture and brilliant works of art.

If you’re visiting Lille, be sure you make a stop at our new size? Lille store – right by the metro station – we can’t wait to meet you.

Opening times:

Monday – Saturday 10:30 – 19:30
Sunday Closed

Location: 

size? Lille

31 Pl. Rihour

59800 Lille, France