Lille and Bruges Short Break
-
Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
-
Grand Place in Lille ©Lille Tourisme, Laurent Ghesquiere
Lille is a surprising city, full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered and Bruges is one of the best-preserved small cities in Europe. Combine both of these cities and enjoy a short break full of memorable experiences.
Just a short drive from Calais, Lille is renowned for its outstanding Flemish architecture and rich history. It is one of the most important towns in northern France, there is much to discover in the bustling city, with many green spaces. Perhaps take a stroll through the maze of cobbled lanes in Lille’s old town. Feast your eyes on the ornate 17th century Vieille Bourse, the city’s finest building, and the Grand Place, the favourite meeting place of the Lillois.
Bruges needs no introduction. Beautiful architecture and picturesque canals await around every corner. Explore the old town and experience the Belgian lifestyle. Another important aspect of visiting Bruges is visiting chocolate shops and sampling the local beers. See the towering Belfry dominate Bruges’ old market square or watch the swans swim serenely on the Lake of Love. Art lovers should take the opportunity to visit the Notre Dame church which houses Michelangelo’s Madonna. Also embark on a canal cruise to see the city from a different perspective as you pass under many of it’s quaint bridges or a romantic horse and carriage ride.
Dates
2025 and 2026 on request
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Lille
Take the short sea crossing from Dover to Calais and travel to Lille for the next 3 nights. Dinner is included at the hotel each evening.
Day 2
Bruges Sightseeing
Today, cross into Belgium to travel to Bruges to explore the many waterways and the beautiful buildings that give this little city the nickname ‘The Venice of the North’. The Grote Markt, the main square in the centre of Bruges, is bounded by colourful, ornate, historic gable-housed buildings. On one side of the square is ‘Historium Bruges’, an interactive experience telling the story of Bruges from the 13th century to the present day (entrance cost not included).
See the sights of the city from a different angle and take to the canals with a 30min boat cruise (which has been included). For the adventurous, perhaps climb the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry for a birds eye view across the rooftops. A horse and carriage ride is another way to see the city.
For chocolate and beer lovers there is the option to visit the Choco-Story museum which includes demonstrations of chocolate making together with tastings and the options to make purchases or head to the De Halve Maan brewery for a tour and tasting of the local beers (entrance costs not included).
Day 3
Lille Sightseeing and Wazemmes Market
Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of the old town, Le Vieux Lille. Feast your eyes on the ornate 17th century Vielle Bourse (Old Stock Exchange), Lille’s finest building, the belfries, the Palais des Beaux-arts and the birthplace of Charles De Gaulle which is now home to France’s second largest art collection.
After the tour, head to the Wazemmes Market (Sundays). Here, you can pick up your best bargains from the many stalls and sample some of the local specialities prepared on the spot. Maybe climb the steps of the town hall’s belfry, the largest Belfry in Belgium and France or stroll around the Grand Place.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Drive to Calais for the short sea ferry to the UK.
Greatdays offer a selection of good quality hotels in Lille.
| Departure date (Fridays) | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| March to October 2025 | Price £319 per person | From £115 per person |
Register now for 2026
