Too hot in Lille? Our top tips for staying cool and enjoying the Métropole!

Summer has arrived and the temperatures are rising? Don’t worry, Lille and its surrounding Métropole are brimming with shady spots, cool activities, and great places to clear your head without melting in the sun.

Here are our refreshing suggestions to experience the Lille Métropole in a different way… when the mercury soars!

Cool Culture

Away from the bustle outside, many museums and cultural venues across the Métropole offer a shady, cool escape.

Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille: an architectural masterpiece with an outstanding collection… kept at a perfect 21°C all year round.
La Piscine, Roubaix: an art and memory museum set in a former Art Deco swimming pool. Air-conditioned, poetic, and unforgettable.
MUBA Eugène Leroy, Tourcoing: a contemporary art venue with a hushed atmosphere, perfect for cooling down while exploring art.
Maisons Folie, local museums and heritage sites: often air-conditioned or naturally cool, hosting exhibitions and summer events.
Villa Cavrois, Croix: a national monument, always temperate thanks to its volumes and architecture… and a fascinating indoor visit.

🧊 Tip: Check for late-night openings! Visiting a museum at dusk makes the experience even more magical.

©Palace of Fine Arts|Laurent Javoy - Hello Lille

Cultural routes to follow

Green Havens Shady parks and hidden gardens

When the heat is on, head for the large parks and gardens of the Métropole. Beneath the trees, the temperature can drop by several degrees!

Jardin des Géants (Lille): Lush vegetation, hidden corners, and a play of light and shade.
Parc du Héron (Villeneuve-d’Ascq): Nature, ponds, walking trails… and a well-deserved gentle breeze.
Parc Mosaïc (Houplin-Ancoisne): A guaranteed change of scenery in its often-shaded world gardens.
Parc Barbieux (Roubaix): Ranked among Europe’s most beautiful urban parks, perfect for a nap away from the sun.
Les Prés du Hem (Armentières): 120 hectares with a lake, water sports centre, bird reserve, and family activities.
Marais de Fretin (Fretin): A natural wetland with a wild atmosphere – perfect for a cool walk among reeds, trees, and birdsong.

🧊 Tip: Favour early-morning or late-afternoon walks — the shade is softer, the nature calmer, and the coolness at its best.

Splash and spray Water spots

When temperatures soar, we all want the same thing: water!

Here’s where to find it (no swimsuit required):

Leisure centres: supervised swimming in Willems or Genech, pedalos in Wambrechies, paddle boats in Quesnoy-sur-Deûle…
Water jets and misters: in Lille, look out for those in the Square Foch, the Parvis Saint-Maurice or the Jardin Vauban.
Indoor and outdoor swimming pools: Armentières, Tourcoing-les-Bains, Herlies, Lille Sud…
Lille plage (Faubourg de Béthune district): sand, deckchairs, water games, a giant misting machine and summer entertainment for all the family! July & August only
Canals, Lys & Deûle: shady walks or boat trips on the canals, the Lys or the Deûle.

🧊 Objective: Cool off with family and friends

©Canal De La Deule Santes Credit Photo O2 Secotine

©Jardin Des Geants Lille Tourism|Lille Tourisme

Work in the LaM park — ©Parc du Lam|Laurent Javoy - Hello Lille

©Nautical activities|Laurent Javoy - Hello Lille

Fancy a trip along the waters of the Deûle?

Set sail for a one-hour sightseeing cruise along the Deûle! You’ll discover the Port of Lille and the water station, cruise past the Bois de Boulogne, see the Grand Carré lock, then head back along the Plaine du Colysée in Lambersart. The trip is enriched with commentary that will immerse you in the history of the area, while inviting you to admire the surrounding wildlife and plant life.

Fresh and tasty stops Where to enjoy an ice-cream break?

Sometimes happiness is found in the simplest things: a homemade smoothie, a scoop of artisanal sorbet, a lemonade in the shade…

Unmissable ice cream parlours: Gelato & Coffee (also offering plant-based ice creams) in Lille, Aux Merveilleux de Fred (wafer ice cream) in Lille, L’Île des Glaces in Marcq-en-Barœul, Promis Juré in Fretin, Glaces Ruiz in Marquette-lez-Lille…
Cool cafés and tearooms: Soph Tea in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, Pies & Potes in Lambersart, Garden Food in Roubaix, Oxalis & Bergamote in Lille…
Shady terraces: To be discovered in the hidden gardens of Vieux-Lille, along the banks of the Deûle, or in the quaint streets of Roubaix…

🧊 Tip: Try the vergeoise or speculoos ice cream — a true taste of the North to savour in the cool, especially in the shaded lanes of Vieux-Lille.

Air-Con On! Where to shop and stay cool

Want to wander without breaking a sweat? Head for the places where air conditioning reigns supreme.

Westfield Euralille: Shopping, dining, and summer events… all indoors.
Lillenium (Lille-Sud): A great alternative on hot days, with a kids’ zone and a rooftop.
Bookshops, concept stores & art galleries: Always a good excuse to cool off while exploring in a different way.
Promenade de Flandre (Neuville-en-Ferrain): Large open-air centre with air-conditioned shops, a dining area, and leisure activities.
Englos Les Géants: With shopping arcades, cafés, and occasional family events.

🧊 Cool tip: In shopping centres, look out for summer activities (workshops, exhibitions, kids’ games) – often free, always air-conditioned!

Shangri La's tulips in Euralille — ©Shangri-La's tulips|Lille Tourisme

The city by night When the heat fades

As night falls, Lille and its Métropole come alive again – it’s time to head out!

Evening guinguettes and terraces: By the water, under the lanterns – atmosphere guaranteed.
Open-air concerts and cinema: Many towns offer free entertainment after 8 pm.
Night markets and food trucks: Another way to savour the city.

Guinguettes

©Utopia 2022 Parade lille3000|Laurent Javoy - Hello Lille

Full agenda

Cool Routes

Shady walks or adapted transport: shaded routes, “cool hour” timings, and transport options suited to the heat…

Walks early in the morning or late in the day: Vieux-Lille, the Deûle, the Citadel, or the towpath – on foot or by bike.
V’Lille and electric bikes: Get around while keeping the effort to a minimum.
Air-conditioned trams and metro: Reach parks or museums without breaking a sweat.

Cool traveller’s survival kit

☀️ Yes, it’s hot… but Lille and its Métropole have plenty of cool ideas for living, exploring, strolling, and savouring the summer without suffering from its excesses.

Check the map of cool spots in Lille and the surrounding area.
Take a reusable water bottle and a spray mister – some shops in Lille are “Bottle Friendly”.
Wear a hat, loose light-coloured clothing, and avoid going out between 12 pm and 4 pm.
If needed, pharmacies and air-conditioned public spaces are useful places to take shelter.