Lille 2024 street market

from Saturday 14 September 2024 to Sunday 15 September 2024 at 6pm

Student life – EN | Hello Lille Site officiel de l'Agence d'attractivité de la MEL

Studying in Lille: an adventure of excellence in the heart of the metropolis

Welcome to Lille Metropole, a playground where the student experience is boldly embraced. Vibrant, exuberant, welcoming and resolutely international in outlook, the city has its own very special ‘way of Lille’.

Living and studying here means immersing yourself in a setting of excellence that combines academic quality, cultural richness and a lively nightlife. Whether you’re a French or an international student, this article will give you the tools you need to explore every facet of Lille’s adventure. Here, we take the time to live, to discover, to marvel, to delight. Keep your eyes peeled for discoveries around every corner for those with a curious eye!

A metropolis of great assets

With its dynamic cultural mix and rich past, exploring this area reveals a fusion of historic architecture and innovative concepts.

A gastronomic city par excellence, it offers a wide range of culinary experiences. This city on a human scale offers a unique experience, combining the charm of a small town with the excitement of a major metropolis. Only an hour from the sea, the area also offers a multitude of parks and gardens to meet up in, canals to navigate, cycle paths to explore, offering a thousand facets to discover.

There are plenty of capital cities within easy reach. I was told that Lille is a rainy city. But there’s plenty of sunshine

Hern Kang Yap, ESPOL

Getting the right tools on arrival

Campus France, a major player in the field of education, stands as a fortress of information under the supervision of the Ministries of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Higher Education, Research and Innovation. This national agency becomes your ally in your plans to study in France, facilitating your administrative procedures and offering you personalised support.

Explore the resources of Campus France

To make the most of this adventure, make the most of the Lille Box: a platform designed by the University of Lille to simplify your day-to-day life. The Lille Box is your best friend for finding your way around the campus, finding accommodation and discovering student tips.

Discover the Lille Box

A rich heritage to discover

©Porte de Paris and Lille Belfry|Laurent Javoy - Hello Lille

©Citadelle Lille|Jan D_Hondt -Hello Lille

©Villa Cavrois Laurent Javoy|Laurent Javoy - Hello Lille

©Lille Vieux Lille Laurent Javoy|Laurent Javoy - Hello Lille

More history…

Lille boasts a varied heritage, ranging from historic landmarks such as the Hôtel de Ville belfry, a symbol of freedom for the communes of the Nord region, and the Citadelle, the city’s largest green space, to modern cultural sites such as the Villa Cavrois. History lovers will be delighted by Roubaix’s rehabilitated industrial heritage and the First World War memorial sites listed by UNESCO.

The history of Lille can be read in its streets. It is a city that has managed to preserve its history.

Camille Soya Emane, student at HEI - Junia

More culture…

Street art gives colour to the walls of the city, offering visitors the chance to explore the works. Take a trip to the Maison Folie de Wazemmes, a former textile factory that has been converted into a centre for the arts, offering a daring programme of shows, exhibitions and events, creating a real cultural hub in the heart of the district…

You can also take advantage of the opportunity to discover the Gare Saint Sauveur, a restored former railway station that regularly plays host to exhibitions, concerts and artistic events. Venture into these cultural landmarks and you’re guaranteed an immersive and festive experience!

©apero-electro in Saint Sauveur|Vincent Lecigne - MEL

©Parc Du Heron Mathieu Lassalle|LASSALLE Mathieu - Hello Lille

Nature lovers…

Explore the natural heritage of the city’s parks, the banks of the Deûle and the natural areas of the Lille European Metropolis. With 1,300 hectares of natural areas and a network of waterways lined with towpaths, this is the place to go for walks, cycle rides, boat trips or even tram rides, a real slow tourism experience to discover the bucolic corners of the region.

Food…

From picturesque estaminets to the hearty delights of street food, Lille’s chefs weave a tasty and generous gastronomic tapestry that will satisfy every appetite, from the faint-hearted to the voracious. Immerse yourself in the world of unmissable food courts such as Friche Lille and Kitchen Market. In October, Lille is transformed into a culinary paradise when it hosts the Lille Street Food Festival, an event dedicated to celebrating gastronomic diversity and creativity… Let yourself be carried away by this culinary epic that has made Lille a leading gourmet destination.

Explore the very essence of Lille with its local emblem, beer, under the label Héritage Bière de la Métropole Européenne de Lille. Let yourself be guided through breweries steeped in tradition, savour typical beers and immerse yourself in the brewing culture of the North. It’s a must-see adventure for hop lovers, with the option of taking part in guided tours to enhance your experience.

> Discover the region's brewing soul with the Brewery Map.

©Lille Street Food Festival 2022 Laurent Javoy Min|Laurent Javoy - Hello Lille

©Lille Street Food Festival 2023 Laurent Javoy|Laurent Javoy - Hello Lille

The way of Lille: from sunrise to sunset, an adventure well worth the diversions

Lille is more than just a university destination. When you’re not studying, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant cultural life.

9am: Heading for campus

The day begins with a grand arrival in Lille, the city that will become your academic playground.
You will be greeted with enthusiasm, guided and supported by experts from Campus France and Ulillebox, who will propel you into the excitement of your new student life.
From lecture theatres to practical rooms, the city offers you a wide range of disciplines.
Meet passionate teachers, talk to your fellow students and experience learning in a different way.

10.30am: Diving into culture and courses

Experience the adventure of the city without having to graduate. Hop on a V'lille or take the tram or metro, options that are both practical and respectful of our planet. With such a wide range of public transport options, you won't need a car to get around. Armed with the C'Art, your passport to culture, continue your morning by exploring the Manufacture, the Tripostal, the Museum of Natural History and the artistic treasures of the Palais des Beaux-Arts. In Lille, every street corner is a lesson in history and art.

12.30pm: A feast for the taste buds

Lille invites you to experience a daring gastronomic adventure.
Discover the wealth of local culinary delights and step through the doors of the estaminets for a timeless experience imbued with the warmth and friendliness so typical of the region. Let yourself be enchanted by the gentle Flemish traditions and succumb to the charm of the local beer, the pride of regional brewing.
Extend your Lille experience by tantalising your taste buds at the Meunier chip shop, a veritable institution in the North. And it's not just the art of frying that the people of the Nord region excel at... For street-food aficionados, push open the door of the local kebab shops to rediscover this French favourite in a unique and delicious way. Every year, don't miss the not-to-be-missed distribution of the famous Chti, a guide to good tips, nightlife and the best spots in Greater Lille.

2pm: Bike ride near the Citadelle

Go for a bike ride along the paths lining the Citadelle.
Go for a cycling trip along the picturesque paths bordering the Citadelle. Soak up the surrounding nature, savour the fresh air and explore the natural charms of the route.
Whether on foot, by bike, by boat or aboard the historic tram, it's by adopting a slow tourism approach that you can truly appreciate the bucolic spots dotted around the region.

4pm: Shopping spree

Explore Lille in style!
Your shopping trip starts right in the heart of Lille's bustle. Hop from thrift shops to designer boutiques in Roubaix, then hit the factory outlets for some great finds. Whether you're a fashionista or a lover of unique pieces, every shop in Lille becomes a stylistic adventure.
Finish your tour in style by strolling through the narrow streets of Vieux-Lille, where elegance and the creations of the great couturiers are the order of the day in the district.

6pm: Lille comes to life

The city of Lille will surprise you with its sparkling student nightlife.
With its young, student atmosphere, the city is packed with bars and nightclubs ready to welcome you to party, meet new people and have fun. Immerse yourself in the effervescence of the festivals, vibrate to the rhythm of the concerts with an eclectic and rich musical offering: from the mellow notes of jazz to the electric chords of rock, via the rhythms of world music, Lille's music scene is a kaleidoscope of genres. In the evening, explore the lively districts, such as Vieux-Lille, Vauban, and the Rue Solférino, offering a range of bars where you can sample local beers in the relaxed atmosphere of the many brasseries in the area.
For a full immersion in Lille's local life, don't hesitate to visit the Maisons Folie de Wazemmes and Moulins!

There are lots of things to do here, from going out with friends to bars and visiting museums. There’s a wide range of things to do.

Indra Guthmann, ARTFX student

Good student deals in Lille to visit the city

Enjoy museums all year round with La C’Art, your gateway to art and culture. This annual culture pass, which costs just €20 for under-26s, gives you access to 15 museums and art centres in the city. Set off to discover the city’s artistic and cultural treasures, an invitation to explore the wealth of Lille’s heritage at your own pace.

Lille, a veritable artistic epicentre, resonates to the sound of international artists, dynamic festivals and lively theatres. Don’t miss any of the highlights of the cultural scene, thanks to our winter and summer guide and our online diary. Soak up the artistic effervescence that animates the city throughout the year and discover the cultural passion that beats at the heart of the city.

With the Atout Culture scheme, take advantage of special offers and prices for students to discover the city’s performing arts venues.

Take advantage of free registration for the online multimedia library and access a variety of services 24 hours a day, wherever you are. Keep up to date with its press releases, feed your curiosity with its training platform, or plan your next cinema screenings at home from its extensive catalogue of videos on demand.