Looking to get away for the weekend, but don’t want to go too far? Don’t look any further: I have gathered fifteen destinations of all kinds for you that are less than two hours from Lille, either by car or by train.
Table of Contents
Beaches
Boulogne-sur-mer (1 hour and 36 minutes by car)
What better place to start with than a city by the sea?
If you don’t know what to do while there, consider visiting Nausicaá, the National Sea Center, to see sharks, sea lions, penguins, jellyfish, and more.
Boulogne-sur-mer’s beach is perfect for relaxing or for a nice walk along the water. You should also consider visiting the Column of the Grande Armée, which has an interior staircase and a statue of Napoleon.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: Aux Pieds de la Cathédrale, perfectly located for exploring the city (prices start at €61)
- The most exotic: Hotel De La Matelote, elegantly decorated and close to the beach and the heart of the city (prices start at €133)
Berck (1 hour and 55 minutes by car)
Berck is a small seaside town with a funny name (in French, “berk” or “beurk” means “yuck”).
It is a great place to go camping, and the beach is an ever-present aspect of the town.
You can also visit a museum (website in French) that contains, among other things, photos of Berck from 1870 to 1900.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: Hôtel Le Littoral, a peaceful retreat near the Channel (prices start at €67)
- The most elegant: Hôtel de la Terrasse, with its unique roof and snow-colored facade (prices start at €92)
Cities
Dunkerque (59 minutes by car)
The city of Dunkerque is known for its colorful carnival during which, in order to uphold tradition, the mayor throws herrings at the crowd.
This city has an important maritime past, so I recommend visiting the Port Museum of Dunkerque to learn about the city’s history and its relationship with the sea.
If you grow tired of the water, you can also take a walk on the city’s 15 kilometers of fine sand dunes.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: L’Escale, with its modern and simple architecture (prices start at €44)
- The best location: Le Transat Bleu, just two steps away from the beach and very comfortable (prices start at €142)
Calais (1 hour and 16 minutes by train)
Calais is most famous for being the French entry point for the Channel Tunnel that links France to Great Britain.
However, there are several other gems worth visiting such as the Calais Lighthouse (website in French), the Tour du Guet (website in French), and the Statues of the Burghers of Calais, a very famous sculpture by Auguste Rodin.
The Musée de la Guerre de Calais (website in French) documents the city’s role in the Second World War and the effects it had on the city through the photos and documents on display.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: Hotel Particulier Richelieu, decorated with beautiful tapestries (prices start at €61)
- The most elegant: Le Dôme, a studio with a dome covered in stained glass (prices start at €162)
Amiens (1 hour and 17 minutes by train)
This city is known for being the home of the famous writer Jules Verne. Today, his house is open to visitors.
The Amiens Zoo is home to several endangered species such as the red panda, the Sumatran tiger, and the serval.
While you are there, be sure to stop in the city center to admire the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Amiens.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: Hôtel Central Anzac, with its warm vibe (prices start at €60)
- The most luxurious: Mercure Amiens Cathédrale, with a view of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Amiens (prices start at €128)
Valenciennes (48 minutes by car)
Valenciennes is a charming city that revolves around art and culture.
The Museum of Fine Arts (website in French), which offers virtual tours, invites you to contemplate its various collections.
You can also take a walk in one of the city’s many parks, which offer you a breath of fresh air after being surrounded by buildings.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: Le Clémenceau Hôtel & Restaurant, with its unique red brick facade (prices start at €52)
- The coziest: Royal Hainaut Spa & Resort, with its remarkable architecture and comfortable suites (prices start at €273)
Countryside
Bergues (56 minutes by car)
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Bergues has a unique shape and is encircled by a beautiful canal.
It mixes red brick houses and medieval monuments in its heart, which makes it even more interesting.
The Belfry of Bergues, which has been rebuilt many times, is the iconic centerpiece of this town.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: Au Tonnelier, an 18th century building with a friendly vibe (prices start at €85)
- The most elegant: Bienvenue Chez Nous, with its spacious rooms and buffet breakfast (prices start at €84)
Guines (1 hour and 24 minutes by car)
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This town is located in the Caps et Marais d’Opale Regional Natural Park (website in French), which is a perfect place to isolate yourself.
Guines is also home to a very special museum that will teach you more about the Viking invasions: the Tour de l’Horloge.
It is the ideal place to relax and stop time for a couple days.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: La Forge, with its wooden decorations and jacuzzi (prices start at €65)
- The most elegant: La Ferme “Les Flaquettes”, where you can sleep in a spacious room with natural decor (prices start at €102)
Boeschepe (35 minutes by car)
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Boeschepe is a small village near the border between France and Belgium.
With its charming architecture, this village is perfect for disconnecting from everyday life.
During your stay, you can visit a small museum dedicated to the radio (website in French), which will allow you to discover the different eras of radio communication.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: La Maison D’hôtes Du Mont Des Cats, where you can eat a generous breakfast (prices start at €81)
- The closest to the village: La Garonde, a house with an enormous patio door (prices start at €95)
Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (37 minutes by car)
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Nicknamed the Thermal City, this city in the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park is worth a visit.
There is a casino (website in French), an amusement park, and a museum (website in French) – enough to keep both young and old busy.
The museum is located inside the Tour Abbatiale de Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, an iconic monument in this charming little town.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: Sure Hotel by Best Western, with modestly decorated rooms that are well-equipped and peaceful (prices start at €60)
- The most elegant: Hotel du Pasino, with its super modern decorations and easy access to the casino (prices start at €97)
Quirky
Marcel Cabiddu Park (33 minutes by car)
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If spending a few days doing outdoor activities sounds interesting, this is the destination for you.
The Marcel Cabiddu Nature and Leisure Park offers water activities such as windsurfing, canoeing, and bumper boats.
There are also land-based activities like mountain biking, archery, axe throwing, and orienteering.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: Hôtel Le Colibri, with its warm decorations and peaceful vibe (prices start at €54)
- The coziest: Le Nador, with its unique oriental-style rooms (prices start at €94)
Pure Aventure (41 minutes by car)
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Composed of several “accrobranche” trails (a French word for a trail in the treetops) for children, teenagers, and adults, Pure Aventure Park promises to satisfy your thirst for adrenaline.
If you are feeling especially brave, you can even try one of their courses at night.
You will have to navigate a course in the dark with only a headlamp for light!
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: La Clef des Bois, with two nicely decorated rooms for a calm stay (prices start at €56, website in French)
- The closest to the park: La Victorine, where you will feel right at home (prices start at €72)
Abroad
Antwerp (1 hour and 52 minutes by car)
Antwerp is known as the diamond capital, and diamonds are sold in many of the city’s jewelry stores.
Typical Antwerp architecture can be admired at the Grote Markt, the central square of the city.
The Scheldt River runs through the city, and you can spend some quality time at the water’s edge contemplating the landscape.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: The ASH, a youth hotel in the heart of the city (prices start at €18)
- The most elegant: Hotel FRANQ, with its marble pillars and impressive elegance (prices start at €181)
Bruges (1 hour and 8 minutes by car)
Bruges is full of history and is home to many religious monuments.
Jump on a boat on the Bruges Canal for a tour of the city that includes the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Cathedral of St. Saviour, and the Church of Our Lady of Bruges.
Be sure to also visit the Frietmuseum and the Bruges Beer Museum, both of which are dedicated to icons of Belgian cuisine.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: Charlie Rockets, for those who enjoy a rock’n’roll vibe (prices start at €24)
- The most elegant: Hotel Die Swaene, where you will feel like royalty (prices start at €144)
Brussels (1 hour and 25 minutes by car)
The capital of Belgium is not only famous for being a true European center – it is also well known for its cuisine and chocolate.
Be sure to visit the chocolate museum, Choco-story, when you go to Brussels.
An economic and cultural jewel, the city is full of different museums: the Museum of the City of Brussels, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, the Magritte Museum, and many others.
Brussels is a city full of life both by day and by night.
Accommodations we recommend:
- The most affordable: Safestay Brussels, located close to the Grand Place (prices start at €35)
- The most elegant: Hôtel Le Dixseptième, with a charming blend of modernity and tradition (prices start at €218)
- The quirkiest: Zoom Hôtel, where photography is an integral part of your stay (prices starting at €135)
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
