Arriving in Lille
Lille Airport is a mere 7KM south of the city center and there is a dedicated airport shuttle to the city center. The trip takes about 20 minutes. It is also possible to fly to either Paris Charles de Gaulle or Bruxelles Zaventem, from where there are regular train services, both of which reach Lille in under an hour.
Train
The Gare Lille Flanders is for fast trains to central Paris. The Gare Lille Europe also has services to Paris and runs a direct train to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, which is also known as Paris Roissy. It is also the departure point for services to all other French towns and for international services such as the Eurostar to London via Brussels. There is also a direct connection to Amsterdam. Both stations are in Lille city center.
Bus
The main long-distance bus station is near the Gare Lille Europe in Lille city center. There are Eurolines services to numerous destinations in Europe, including London, Amsterdam and Brussels. Getting to Lille by bus from the UK may mean either the Eurotunnel or the ferry. If passengers have a particular preference it is recommended to check in advance.
UEFA EURO 2016 Host City
Build for the Euro, the Stade Pierre Mauroy opened its doors in 2012, and thus has became the home stadium for the LOSC, who used to play in the Stadium Lille. It can be turned into an Arena for indoor games.
How to get there:
- CAR:
The stadium lies adjacent to the N227 motorway, which connects with the A1 and A27 further south and with the A22 in the north. Take exit 3 Villeneuve d’Ascq from the N227.
- METRO:
Two metro stations surround the stadium: Cité Scientifique and 4 Canton Grand Stade. They are both on the metro line 1, which goes through the city center and the train station Gare Lille Flandres.
- BUS:
Use the line 18, south of the city center at République Beaux-Arts or Porte de Valenciennes, direction Villeneuve d'Ascq.
Matches in Lille
About Lille
Near the border will Belgium, Lille has the sort of violent history often associated with valuable border cities as it was fought over time and again by those who prized its wealth. Today however it is clearly a part of France and is now stepping out from the shadow of Paris to be recognized as an attractive tourist destination in its own right.
