12 ways to enjoy Lille and its Metropolis this autumn (and forget about the rain)

Autumn is the season when Lille is decked out in a thousand colours. The view from the Belfry is nothing short of magical: the red roofs, the blazing bricks, the parks tinged with yellow and orange… It’s as if the city is putting on its best autumn jumper. Climb the steps (or take the lift, we won’t judge) and you’re guaranteed a shot of visual poetry.

Autumn is when the nature of the Metropolis turns into an impressionist painting.

The Citadel Park in Lille, with its tall trees slowly turning red, is perfect for a peaceful walk or a family outing. Further on, Barbieux Park in Roubaix, vast and listed as a “remarkable garden”, glows in gold and copper. And if you want to take the experience even further, the Héron Park in Villeneuve-d’Ascq offers trails by the water, where the crunch of leaves under your feet becomes the best autumn playlist. In short: in autumn, parks are open-air museums… and free.

Autumn in the North is also the season for dishes that warm the heart (and fill the belly a little too).

From carbonnade flamande simmered for hours, to potjevleesch served cold yet melting everyone’s heart, and stuffed waffles that deliciously stick to your fingers — you’ll have everything you need to survive grey days. And let’s not forget the traditional sweets and pastries — babeluttes, chuques, sugar tart, cramique… — that bring back the taste of childhood snacks. In short, here we don’t fight autumn: we eat it.

When the North wind blows a little too hard and the rain joins in, there’s one essential refuge: the estaminet.

These small, traditional taverns breathe conviviality, with their wooden tables, Flemish games tucked in a corner, and the comforting smell of slow-cooked dishes. Here, you share a frothy local beer, taste golden fries with a fricadelle or a Welsh where all the cheese of the North melts onto your plate. It’s simple: stepping into an estaminet feels like being welcomed into a cosy living room where everyone smiles (sometimes with a singing accent).

Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy culture while staying warm.

The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille invites you to (re)discover its masterpieces, La Piscine in Roubaix always impresses with its unique Art Deco setting, and the MUba in Tourcoing surprises with bold exhibitions. Also in Tourcoing, the Institut du Monde Arabe opens a window onto other cultures, while the Forum des Sciences in Villeneuve-d’Ascq fascinates young and old with interactive experiments. As for the LaM, it is under renovation until February 2026… the perfect excuse to start planning your next visit.

Here, culture keeps you warm, far from the rain — and it feels good!

The walls of the Metropolis become true open-air canvases in autumn. In Roubaix, the Street Art City trail takes you between giant murals and hidden works tucked away in alleyways. In Tourcoing, colourful façades add a pop touch to the red brick of the North. A walk that blends urban art, heritage, and little surprises at every corner. Autumn adds even more depth to these murals, as if they were in dialogue with the colours of the trees.

Have you missed the Braderie de Lille or are you craving that treasure-hunting thrill? Don’t panic! The metropolitan area is full of great vide-greniers, brocantes and braderies to discover this autumn. In Lille, Roubaix or Tourcoing, Armentières, Seclin, La Bassée… you can rummage through vintage crockery, retro furniture, old books or small curiosities, while enjoying the warm atmosphere of the streets and the crackling of leaves under your feet. All you need to do is pick up a nugget and an unforgettable local souvenir!

Autumn is the perfect time to get your hands in the soil… or in your baskets! A number of urban farms and orchards in Lille Metropole are opening their doors for you to pick apples, pears, squash and other seasonal treasures (all the addresses can be found in the Producers’ Directory). But that’s not all: the Espaces Naturels Lille Métropole offer the Agenda de l’Explorateur, a fun way to discover local flora and fauna, and the Département du Nord regularly organises Rendez-vous Nature, guided walks and workshops for young and old alike. From open-air walks to meetings with producers and nature events, you’ll go home with some tasty memories… and discoveries that will do your spirits good.

Looking for a change from the classic walk? Metropolitan France is full of original experiences to spice up your autumn. A brand new escape game is being prepared in a number of towns across the region… but shhh, we’re keeping it a secret for now. In the meantime, you can set off on an adventure with the Totemus treasure hunt, a free app that combines fun walks, heritage and open-air puzzles. And if you prefer nature, why not paddle a kayak on the Deûle, surrounded by the flamboyant colours of the season? This autumn, the unusual becomes your best excuse to explore Lille and its Metropolis in a different way.

Who said autumn was all about cocooning? In the Lille metropolitan area, it’s the perfect season to slip on your trainers or get on your bike and explore some undiscovered corners. Runners will find plenty to do in the Parc du Héron in Villeneuve-d’Ascq or along the canal at Seclin, outdoor enthusiasts will marvel at the scenery of the catchment areas in the Pévèle, and cyclists will climb up to the belvedere at Deûlémont for breathtaking views. And don’t forget the more urban routes around Lille, Roubaix and Tourcoing, where red bricks and gold leaves combine for colourful, sporty rides.

After exploring parks, visiting museums, or hunting for treasures at flea markets, it’s time for some comfort!
Nothing beats a steaming cup of hot chocolate served in a large mug, accompanied by a waffle, a Merveilleux, or a sugar tart. In estaminets as well as tea rooms, autumn becomes the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a sweet pause. So sit back, let the rain drum on the windows, and savour the moment — Lille Metropolis knows better than anyone how to warm hearts.