Lille Through the Lens of a Shopper
I’ll admit something up front: whenever I travel, I never come back with just photographs. I come back with textures, tastes, scents, and little keepsakes that remind me of where I’ve been. In Lille, a city that balances Flemish tradition and French flair, souvenir shopping became more than just picking up a fridge magnet. It was an immersive part of my trip, one that pulled me into covered shopping centers, elegant arcades, bustling markets, and cozy artisan boutiques.
Lille surprised me with its variety: one moment I was browsing high-street fashion in a sleek mall, and the next I was bargaining for handmade lace at a local market stall. Over the course of several days, I explored four modern shopping centers and two traditional markets, each with its own personality and treasures worth bringing home.
This guide is both a diary of my shopping adventures and a practical resource if you’re planning a trip to Lille. So, grab a notebook—or better yet, leave some space in your suitcase—because Lille has plenty to offer.
Part One: Modern Shopping Centers in Lille
- Euralille – The City’s Shopping Giant
Location: 100 Centre Commercial Euralille, 59777 Lille, France
How to get there: Directly between Gare Lille-Flandres and Gare Lille-Europe, about a 5-minute walk from each.
When I first stepped into Euralille, I realized that this wasn’t just a shopping mall—it was practically its own city within a city. Spread across more than 120 shops, Euralille is sleek, glassy, and modern.
What I bought
I found myself in L’Occitane en Provence, where the lavender hand creams instantly transported me to the South of France. I also picked up a box of Léonidas Belgian chocolates, beautifully wrapped, which made an elegant gift for my family.
Services & Ambience
The mall is fully air-conditioned (a relief in summer), offers free Wi-Fi, and has plenty of sitting areas. What impressed me most was the range of stores: from budget-friendly brands like H&M to higher-end French fashion houses like Galeries Lafayette.
Pros & Cons
• ✅ Pros: Central location, diverse mix of shops, long opening hours (10:00 AM – 8:30 PM Mon–Sat).
• ❌ Cons: It gets very crowded on Saturdays; not the place if you’re seeking a quiet, boutique vibe.
Discounts & Tips
If you shop during Les Soldes (France’s twice-yearly sales, usually in January and July), discounts can go as deep as 50–70% off. I scored a discounted Lacoste polo shirt for €55 (down from €110).
- Westfield Euralille (Extension of Euralille)
This is technically an extension of the main Euralille complex but deserves its own mention. Westfield branding ensures an international feel.
What stood out
I went straight to Apple Store Lille to get a lightning cable I had forgotten to pack, and I was pleasantly surprised by the attentive staff who spoke fluent English. Then I ducked into Fnac, where I browsed through French vinyl records—an unusual but nostalgic gift.
Services
There’s an excellent tax refund service for non-EU visitors if you spend more than €100 in a single store. The staff walked me through filling out the détaxe forms, which made the process smoother when I departed.
- Le Printemps Lille
Location: 39-45 Rue Nationale, 59800 Lille
If you love Parisian-style department stores but want something less overwhelming than Galeries Lafayette in Paris, Le Printemps Lille is your sweet spot.
My experience
Walking in, I was greeted by the warm scent of Chanel No. 5 from the cosmetics counters. I couldn’t resist buying a Hermès silk scarf, which felt like the most quintessential French souvenir. The sales assistant offered to monogram it for free—a detail that made the purchase even more special.
Pros & Cons
• ✅ Upscale brands in a manageable setting.
• ❌ Pricey, of course. Not the place for bargain hunters.
Opening hours
10:00 AM – 7:30 PM (closed Sundays).
- Centre Commercial Les Tanneurs
Location: 80 Rue Pierre Mauroy, 59800 Lille
Tucked closer to the Opera House and the Grand Place, Les Tanneurs is more compact than Euralille but more atmospheric.
Why I liked it
The mall has smaller French brands like Comptoir des Cotonniers, and I bought a lightweight trench coat (€130) that ended up being my go-to jacket for the remainder of my trip.
Food court highlight
The Paul bakery outlet here served me one of the crispiest croissants of my week in Lille. If you need a snack mid-shopping, it’s a good stop.
Part Two: Traditional Markets in Lille
- Wazemmes Market (Marché de Wazemmes)
Location: Place de la Nouvelle Aventure, 59000 Lille
When to go: Sundays from 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (best day for atmosphere).
This market was pure sensory overload—the scent of spices, the chatter of vendors, and the rainbow of fresh produce and fabrics.
What I bought
• Local cheeses (Maroilles, the famously pungent one, for €6).
• Handmade pottery from a stall run by a family from nearby Dunkirk.
• A colorful scarf woven by a North African vendor, which cost €12 after a bit of friendly bargaining.
Services
Most vendors only accepted cash, so make sure to withdraw beforehand. ATMs are about a 5-minute walk away on Rue Gambetta.
Pros & Cons
• ✅ Authentic, lively, cultural immersion.
• ❌ Crowds can be intense; watch your bag carefully.
- Old Lille Flea Market (Braderie de Lille – once a year)
Location: Streets of Vieux-Lille (Old Lille)
When: First weekend of September each year.
I was lucky enough to be in Lille during the Braderie, Europe’s largest flea market. With thousands of stalls lining the streets, it was an absolute treasure hunt.
My finds
• Vintage enamel signs (€25 each).
• A set of antique postcards featuring Lille’s Grand Place (only €10 for a bundle of 8).
• And of course, a plate of mussels from one of the pop-up food stands, because eating moules-frites during Braderie is tradition!
Experience
The event felt like a festival rather than just a market. Live bands, overflowing beer terraces, and bargain hunters everywhere.
Souvenirs I Recommend Bringing Home
- Maroilles cheese – iconic, pungent, and delicious.
- Lace and textiles from Wazemmes.
- Hermès or French scarves from Le Printemps.
- Vintage flea market finds – from enamel signs to old books.
- Belgian chocolates (Léonidas, Neuhaus, or even local chocolatiers).
- French skincare products (L’Occitane, Caudalie).
Booking & Practical Information
• Euralille / Westfield: Open Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM. Website: euralille.com
• Printemps Lille: printemps.com
• Les Tanneurs: Often open until 7:30 PM.
• Wazemmes Market: Sunday mornings are best.
• Braderie de Lille: Plan hotel booking at least 6 months in advance.
Lille, A Souvenir in Itself
When I think back on Lille, I don’t just remember the things I bought—I remember the experience of finding them. Running my hand over vintage lace at Wazemmes, being swept into the madness of Braderie, walking out of Le Printemps with that little green Hermès bag in hand, I realized that souvenirs are more than objects. They are moments made tangible.
Lille, with its blend of modern shopping malls and timeless markets, offers something rare: the chance to shop for the future while also touching the past. Whether you leave with a designer scarf or a bundle of postcards, you’ll find that every item carries a piece of Lille’s character home with you.
What struck me most was the contrast: I could sip a latte in the ultra-modern halls of Euralille in the morning, then lose myself in the colors and chaos of Wazemmes by afternoon. Lille’s shopping scene mirrors its identity—it’s both forward-looking and rooted in history.
If you’re planning your own trip, here are a few final reflections:
• Leave extra room in your suitcase. I thought I had packed light, but even so, I had to shuffle things around to fit in cheese, scarves, and antique postcards.
• Budget for both splurges and bargains. Lille allows you to indulge in Hermès one day and haggle for a €10 vintage find the next. Both experiences are equally valuable.
• Talk to vendors. Whether it’s the sales assistant at Printemps or the market seller in Wazemmes, Lille’s people are what make the shopping memorable. Many shared stories about their crafts, their families, and even their city.
• Shopping is cultural immersion. Don’t think of it as just buying things—it’s another way to engage with Lille’s personality.
As I boarded my train back to Paris, I opened my shopping bag to peek at the scarf, the chocolates, and the postcards. But what warmed me most wasn’t the items themselves—it was the thought of the streets I had walked, the laughter I’d shared with vendors, and the small adventures tucked between the racks and stalls.
To me, Lille is a city you don’t just see—you carry it home with you. And every time I glance at that enamel sign hanging in my kitchen, I feel a little tug, like Lille whispering: “Come back soon, there’s always more to discover.”
So, if you’re heading to Lille, remember: don’t just look for things to buy. Look for the stories they hold. Those are the souvenirs you’ll cherish long after the chocolates are gone and the scarves have been worn thin.
