A Luxury Family Stay in France
Planning a family trip to Lille, France? We recently spent a few nights at The Carlton Hotel Lille, discovering the city with our two young daughters and finding out just how family-friendly this beautiful French city really is.
Located right in the heart of Lille, The Carlton Hotel made the perfect base for our family city break. With its elegant surroundings, central location and welcoming atmosphere, it gave us somewhere comfortable to relax while keeping us within easy reach of Lille’s main attractions, restaurants and family-friendly activities.
Travelling with two young children always comes with its own challenges, but Lille surprised us with just how easy it was to explore as a family. From wandering the beautiful historic streets and discovering the city’s famous architecture to enjoying delicious French food and finding plenty of things to keep the kids entertained, there was something for all of us.
In this guide, I’ll share our family stay at The Carlton Hotel Lille, what the hotel is like, why its location is ideal for a city break, and some of the best things to do in Lille with kids. If you’re considering a family holiday or weekend break in Lille, hopefully our experience will help you plan your own trip to this beautiful corner of France.
Our Stay in La Coupole Suite
We had the pleasure of staying in La Coupole Suite, and, with a family of four, it couldn’t have been better suited to our needs.
At around 80m² spread across two levels, space was definitely not something we were short of. When you’re travelling with two young children, having room to spread out makes such a difference. There was plenty of space for the girls to play, our luggage to actually be unpacked rather than living out of suitcases, and enough separate areas for us to have some downtime once the little ones were asleep.
The suite itself feels much more like a luxury apartment than a traditional hotel room. There was a comfortable living area, a spacious bathroom, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a minibar and all the little touches you’d expect from a luxury hotel, including a Nespresso machine, Dammann teas, bathrobes and slippers, plus some Carlton treats waiting for us when we arrived.
And then there’s the view.
Located on the top floor of the hotel, La Coupole looks out across the rooftops of Lille, with incredible views towards the Opéra de Lille, Grand Place, Vieille Bourse and the Belfry. There’s something pretty special about opening the curtains in the morning and seeing the city laid out below you. The suite also has a balcony overlooking the Opera, giving you another spot to take in the view.
But perhaps the biggest surprise was the private wellness area upstairs. The suite has its own hammam and whirlpool bath, which gave us the chance to sneak in a little relaxation during what was otherwise a busy family city break.
Of course, it isn’t always just about fancy interiors or spectacular views. It’s about having space, comfort and practical amenities that make family travel easier. La Coupole gave us all three, while still feeling like a really special place to stay. After busy days exploring Lille, it was lovely to come back, put our feet up and watch the city go by from one of the most impressive vantage points in the hotel.
For us, La Coupole Suite was the perfect home from home for our family stay in Lille, just with considerably better views than our actual home.
More Than Just Somewhere to Sleep
One of the things we really enjoyed about staying at The Carlton Hotel Lille was that there was plenty to enjoy without even having to leave the hotel. After a day exploring Lille, there was nothing better than heading back to the hotel’s wellness area and taking some time to unwind. It has a dedicated fitness and wellness space with a gym and sauna, as well as a hammam, making it easy to squeeze in a little relaxation between exploring the city.
For me, the gym was a welcome opportunity to get a quick workout in, while the sauna was definitely more my idea of a holiday workout. There are also massages and facial treatments available if you’re looking to take the relaxation up another notch, although with two little ones, finding the time for a massage is sometimes the biggest challenge of all!
Food, Drinks & Views
When it comes to eating and drinking, you don’t need to go far either. Green House Restaurant is located on the ground floor of the hotel and offers a relaxed, welcoming setting with what the hotel describes as healthy and gourmet cuisine. It’s also open throughout the day, making it a handy option whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
And then there’s The View, probably one of the hotel’s biggest attractions for us. This panoramic cocktail bar has an incredible position overlooking some of Lille’s most famous landmarks, including the Opéra and Vieille Bourse. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to sit down, order a drink and simply take in the view. The bar specialises in cocktails, including personalised creations from the bartenders, and opens in the evenings.
There’s also Saint James Bar, which is a much more intimate and cosy space. It’s perfect for a quieter drink or a coffee after a busy day exploring, and the traditional surroundings give it a completely different feel from The View. Of course, travelling with the girls meant our evenings looked a little different to what they might have done before having children, cocktails at sunset have been replaced with bath time and bedtime stories on more than one occasion.
But that’s what we loved about the Carlton. Whether you want to work out, relax in the sauna, enjoy a meal, grab a drink or simply sit back and enjoy the views, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the hotel itself. And when your hotel is this centrally located in Lille, you can spend the day exploring the city, come back for a little downtime, and then head out again without feeling like you’re constantly on the move. For a family city break in Lille, that’s a pretty big win.
Things to Do in Lille: Our Favourite Places to Visit
One of the things we loved most about visiting Lille was just how much there is to see and do within walking distance of the city centre and the hotel. From beautiful historic architecture and hidden little streets to incredible coffee shops, traditional French treats and some seriously good food, Lille is the kind of city that’s perfect for exploring at your own pace.
We wanted to find a mix of places to explore, things to eat and spots to enjoy a little downtime and Lille certainly delivered! Whether you’re planning a weekend city break, a family trip to northern France or simply looking for somewhere a little different to explore, here are some of our favourite things to do in Lille.
1. Find the Smallest House in Lille
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a trip memorable, and this is certainly one of Lille’s more unusual attractions!
Tucked away in the historic streets of Vieux-Lille, you’ll find what’s known as the Smallest House in Lille (La Plus Petite Maison de Lille). It’s a tiny yellow façade that looks almost too small to be real, making it a fun little discovery as you wander through the old town. Interestingly, what looks like a miniature house is actually a narrow passageway between streets, rather than a conventional home. It’s easy to walk past if you’re not looking for it, so keep your eyes peeled.
It’s not somewhere you’ll need to spend long, but it’s a fun photo opportunity and a great excuse to explore the surrounding cobbled streets. We love finding these quirky little hidden gems when travelling, especially when they’re completely free to visit.
2. Try the Famous Vanilla Waffles at Méert
If there’s one food experience you shouldn’t miss when visiting Lille, it’s a trip to Méert.
Dating back to 1761, this historic pâtisserie is famous for its traditional filled waffles, particularly the signature waffle made with Madagascar vanilla. These aren’t your typical Belgian-style waffles piled high with toppings. Instead, they’re delicate, oval-shaped waffles filled with a deliciously sweet vanilla cream. And trust me, if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to give one a try!
The shop itself is just as impressive as the food, with beautiful historic interiors that make the whole experience feel like stepping back in time. You can pick up waffles to take away or sit down in the tea room and enjoy them at a more leisurely pace. Located on Rue Esquermoise in Vieux-Lille, Méert is easy to incorporate into a walking tour of the old town. It’s also a great place to pick up a little edible souvenir to take home.
Our tip: Don’t leave Lille without trying the traditional vanilla waffle. It’s one of the city’s best-known culinary specialities and an absolute must for foodies visiting northern France.
3. Admire the Lille Opera House
Right in the heart of Lille, close to the Grand Place, stands the magnificent Opéra de Lille.
Even if opera isn’t your thing, the building is worth stopping to admire. Its grand neoclassical façade, impressive columns and beautiful detailing make it one of the city’s architectural highlights. The surrounding square is a lovely place to stop for a moment, take a few photographs and watch everyday life unfold around you. With cafés, shops and other landmarks nearby, it’s easy to combine a visit with a wander around the historic centre.
We found that one of the best things about exploring Lille is that you don’t necessarily need a packed itinerary. Some of the most enjoyable moments come from simply wandering through the streets, looking up at the architecture and seeing what you stumble across next.
4. Visit Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral
Another architectural highlight is Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille, located in the heart of Vieux-Lille.
This cathedral is particularly interesting because of its unusual blend of old and modern architecture. The exterior has a striking contemporary façade made from translucent marble, which contrasts with the more traditional Gothic architecture behind it. It’s a little different from the grand, ornate cathedrals you might expect to find elsewhere in France, and that’s precisely what makes it so interesting.
The cathedral is also surrounded by some of the prettiest streets in Lille, so it’s well worth taking your time to explore the area rather than simply visiting the building itself. Just around the corner, you’ll also find the Smallest House in Lille, making it easy to tick off two attractions in one short walk.
Whether you’re interested in architecture, history or photography, this is definitely one to add to your Lille itinerary.
5. Explore the Palais des Beaux-Arts
If you’re looking for a cultural experience while visiting Lille, make time for the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille.
Housed in an impressive building on Place de la République, it’s one of France’s major fine arts museums and home to an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures and other artworks. Inside, you’ll find works spanning several centuries, including pieces by renowned European artists. Even if you’re not usually someone who spends hours wandering around museums, the building itself is worth seeing.
Travelling with young children means we have to be a little more selective about museums these days, but it’s great to know Lille offers cultural attractions for those who want to balance exploring the streets with something a little different.
6. Grab a Coffee at Viet Coffee
As anyone who follows our travels will know, finding a good coffee shop is always high on our list when exploring somewhere new!
One spot we wanted to try in Lille was Viet Coffee, a Vietnamese-inspired café that’s a little different from your usual coffee stop. Located on Rue de la Clef, it’s known for its Vietnamese-style coffee drinks, including egg coffee and salted cream coffee. If you’ve travelled around Vietnam, you’ll know that Vietnamese coffee is an experience in itself, often combining strong coffee with rich, creamy or sweet flavours.
It’s a great option if you fancy trying something a little different from your standard flat white or cappuccino. The café has a modern, minimalist feel, making it a nice place to pause during a day of exploring. Having spent plenty of time travelling through Southeast Asia over the years, we’re always drawn to places that bring a little taste of another destination into a new city. And Vietnamese coffee in the middle of northern France certainly does that!
7. Stop for a Coffee at Latte
Another spot worth adding to your Lille coffee itinerary is Latte, a speciality coffee shop in the city centre.
Sometimes you don’t need anything particularly fancy when exploring a city. You just want a good coffee, a little break from walking and somewhere to recharge before heading off to the next attraction. Latte is a handy stop for exactly that, serving espresso-based drinks alongside more creative options, including seasonal lattes, matcha and chai. It’s particularly suited to anyone who enjoys trying different coffee flavours rather than sticking to the usual order.
For us, finding good cafés is part of the fun of travelling. They’re a chance to slow down, take a breather and enjoy a little glimpse of local life before getting back out there.
8. Dinner at Magmatic by Ephemera
Now for something a little different! If you’re looking for a restaurant in Lille that offers more than just a meal, Magmatic by Ephemera is well worth considering.
This immersive, volcano-themed restaurant takes dining to another level, with dramatic projections, atmospheric lighting and a setting designed to make you feel as though you’re dining inside a volcanic landscape. Rather than simply sitting down for dinner, the idea is to enjoy a whole sensory experience, with the surroundings helping to tell the story. It’s a fun concept and a refreshing change from your usual restaurant visit.
Located near Lille’s Saint-Maurice church, it’s also conveniently placed for anyone exploring the city centre. We always enjoy discovering restaurants that do something a little different when travelling, especially when the experience itself becomes part of the story. Magmatic is certainly the kind of place that gets people talking, making it an interesting option for couples, groups and families looking for something memorable.
If you’re travelling with children, I’d recommend checking the restaurant’s atmosphere, menu and suitability for your little ones before booking, as the immersive lighting and effects may be more appealing to some ages than others.
Our Tips for Exploring Lille
One of the best things about Lille is how easy it is to explore on foot. Many of these places are relatively close together, particularly around Vieux-Lille and the historic city centre, so you can combine several of them into one relaxed day.
Here’s how we’d approach it:
- Start in Vieux-Lille: Wander through the historic streets and look out for the Smallest House in Lille.
- Make time for Méert: Enjoy one of its famous vanilla waffles before continuing your walk.
- Explore the architecture: Visit Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille and head towards the Opera House and Grand Place.
- Build in coffee stops: Try Viet Coffee or Latte when you need a break.
- Leave time for food: Whether you fancy a cultural afternoon at the Palais des Beaux-Arts or an immersive dinner at Magmatic, there’s plenty to fill a weekend.
The beauty of Lille is that you can fit a lot into a short visit without feeling as though you need to rush from one attraction to the next. It’s a city that rewards a little wandering, a few spontaneous stops and the occasional waffle break!
Final Thoughts: Is The Carlton Hotel Lille Worth Staying At?
So, would we recommend The Carlton Hotel Lille? Absolutely!
It’s the perfect base for exploring Lille. From the moment we arrived, the hotel made a great impression, not just because of its beautiful interiors and elegant surroundings, but also because of the genuinely lovely staff who made us feel welcome throughout our stay. When you’re travelling with two young children, those little touches and a warm welcome really do make a difference.
But one of the hotel’s biggest selling points has to be its location. Sitting right in the heart of Lille, you’re just moments away from some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Opera House and Grand Place, with the charming streets of Vieux-Lille, shops, cafés and restaurants all within easy walking distance. We barely needed to think about transport during our stay, which made exploring with Eliza and Maisie so much easier.
And then there’s the views! Whether you’re admiring Lille’s beautiful rooftops from the La Coupole Suite or enjoying a drink overlooking the city’s historic architecture, there’s something pretty special about seeing Lille from above. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to slow down, sit back and appreciate where you are.
The hotel itself has plenty to offer, too. From the gym and sauna to the wellness facilities, restaurant and cocktail bars, there are plenty of ways to relax after a busy day exploring. Our suite gave us all the space we needed as a family, while the hotel’s amenities meant we could enjoy a little luxury alongside the practicalities of travelling with two little ones.
What we particularly loved was how the Carlton managed to feel both luxurious and convenient. It wasn’t just somewhere to sleep; it was somewhere we genuinely enjoyed spending time, whether that meant relaxing in the suite, enjoying the views or heading out to discover another corner of the city.
If you’re planning a trip to Lille and looking for a luxury hotel in a central location, we’d highly recommend putting The Carlton Hotel Lille on your list. It’s ideal for couples looking for a romantic city break, but it also worked brilliantly for us as a family, offering the space, comfort and convenience that make travelling with young children that little bit easier.
Lille itself was a wonderful surprise, and staying at the Carlton made the experience all the more enjoyable. We’d happily return, and if you’re looking for a beautiful hotel within walking distance of the best things to do in Lille, this one is definitely worth considering.
***Thank you to The Carlton Hotel Lille for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own.
