Spotlight on Lille: French flair and history in the capital of Nord
Boasting vibrant charm and rich history, Lille blends educational opportunities with cultural experiences aplenty to provide an exceptional setting for an educational school trip. Whether it's exploring the historic Grand Place, delving into local traditions at the Christmas markets, or practising French in a lively urban setting, Lille offers a range of activities that cater to various learning goals.
Navigating the options for a school trip to Lille may initially seem overwhelming. However, with the right guidance, planning your visit can be straightforward and rewarding. In this blog, we’ll provide you with the necessary tools to plan your itinerary and budget with confidence. We’ll highlight the educational objectives you can achieve in Lille, suggest cost-effective activities to enrich your experience, and detail everyday expenses you can expect. Embark on a memorable educational journey with our thorough guide to Lille.
Learning objectives covered by a Lille school trip
French language
An easy overseas trip from the UK, our MFL school trip to Lille is the perfect destination for groups who want to prioritise excursions over travel time. A notable location for its superb shopping, gastronomy and museums, Lille is an exceptional place for your school group to use their French linguistic skills, as they expand their vocabulary and test their terminology across many contexts.
Christmas markets
Situated in the city’s central Grand Place, Lille’s Christmas markets benefit from views of its biggest attractions, and are among France’s most beautiful. All the main shopping streets are around this area, meaning your group won’t have far to wander for souvenirs and festive treats, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby to fuel your visit.
Free things to do in Lille for schools
The following activities offer a mix of historical, cultural, and natural exploration opportunities, making them ideal for school groups to experience Lille without spending anything:
Visit the Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)
You can’t miss this central square in Lille, which is surrounded by beautiful historical buildings. Due to its size and stature, the square serves as an ideal meeting place for school groups.
Walk through the Old Town (Vieux Lille)
Enjoy a stroll through the charming cobbled streets of Vieux Lille, the city’s Old Town, which is brimming with Renaissance architecture, quaint shops, and beautiful houses.
Explore the Citadel of Lille
A star-shaped fortress designed by Vauban, the Citadel may be restricted, but it’s surrounding park (Parc de la Citadelle) is open to the public and is perfect for a walk or picnic.
Visit the Porte de Paris
See the impressive Porte de Paris, a triumphal arch that celebrates Louis XIV’s capture of the city.
Visit the Lille Cathedral (Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille)
Explore this unique cathedral with a modern façade and Gothic interior. Entry is free, and it's an excellent place to discuss French religious architecture.
Explore the Parc Henri Matisse
A large green space near the city centre where students can relax, have a picnic, or engage in outdoor activities. There’s also public art to admire.
Tour the Wazemmes Market
Visit the bustling Wazemmes Market and discover the best of local food and drinks. It’s a lively place for your students to experience the local culture and practise language skills with vendors.
Visit the Euralille District
Walk through the modern Euralille district, where students can see contemporary architecture and learn about the city’s modern development.
Explore the Jardin des Géants
Filled with art installations, greenery, and water features, this unique garden is a fun place for students to explore nature and creativity.
Remember to check the local regulations, opening hours, and any specific guidelines for these attractions, as policies may change.
How much do every day items cost in Lille (2025)?
- Single metro ticket (valid for 1 hour): €2.10
- Coffee: €3.20
- Burger and fries in a fast food restaurant: €12
- French baguette at a local bakery: €1.20
- Croissant from a local bakery: €1.30
Ready to book your school trip to Lille?
Lille provides a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, outdoor activities, and festive traditions, offering school groups an impactful and enriching experience. This vibrant city also accommodates a range of budgets, featuring numerous free attractions that beautifully complement its paid ones – allowing your group to fully immerse themselves in the essence of Lille while keeping costs manageable.
To find out more about our school trips to Lille, or enquire about booking a school trip, please call us on 01273 648248. You can also fill out our webform, and our school trip experts will get back to you as soon as we can.
