Heading west Flemish bliss

Just west of bustling Lille, the urban buzz fades and a living Flemish heritage reemerges. In the fertile fields of the Ferrain and the Weppes, traditions thrive: welcoming estaminets (cozy local taverns), tidy square farms, passionate food artisans, and generations-old know-how.

This isn’t quite Flanders, but its flavors and spirit linger invitingly. Here, food is a journey — from farm to table, from artisan brewery to bubbling glass, all served with heartfelt hospitality.

Meet Local Producers

In Roncq, step into Ferme du Vinage, a living workshop where cheese is handcrafted in the authentic Flemish tradition. Further south in Marquillies, Ferme des Mottes cultivates genuine taste rooted in the land.

Find out more about the producers in the Lille European Metropolis in the Producers’ Notebook, available to download below.

The soul of Flanders in your plate

After a farm visit, unwind in a typical estaminet like Les Soyeux in Quesnoy-sur-Deûle or Les Quatre Chemins in Herlies. Feast on rich carbonade, sweet sugar tart, perfectly poured local beers and more — where conviviality is on the house.

Dive into the World of Flemish Brewers

Curious about what makes your beer sparkle? Meet passionate artisans at breweries like Brasserie Motte-Cordonnier or Breweppes in Herlies and discover the secrets of craft brewing — from grain to glass.

Here, time isn’t measured — it’s savored. Whether by foot, bike, or water, this peaceful corner of the world invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy.

Biking Along the Lys

Rent a bike in Deûlémont, leave the city behind and follow the gentle curves of the Lys River from Frelinghien to Halluin. Meadows, tiny harbors and riverside guinguettes roll by — holiday vibes within easy pedal reach.

A series of well-marked cycle routes connect villages like Roncq, Bondues, Halluin and Comines, blending pastoral charm with leisurely adventure.

Thanks to the points-nodes network, you can put together your own itinerary, easily linking stages as you wish. It’s a real invitation to pedal freely, without ever worrying about losing your bearings!

Glide on Water

The rivers Lys and Deûle beckon with canoeing, paddleboarding, or electric boat trips — quiet, reflective voyages between water and sky. Listen for the soft call of a water rail or the graceful take-off of a heron as you float through tranquil landscapes

Walk Through History and Nature

In the Weppes, trails weave between traditional farms, hedgerows and blooming orchards — landscapes that whisper stories of rural life. Wander scenic paths around Fromelles, Herlies or Illies, and explore charming villages with their steeples and local estaminets.

From Saint-André-lez-Lille to Marquette-lez-Lille and Linselles, discover Flemish-inspired architecture and the warm embrace of village life

Get hold of the walking guide “Lille Métropole … on foot” and let the adventure begin!

Echoes of the Past

Visit the moving Battle of Fromelles Museum, where personal objects and voices bring 1916 to life. Across the way lies the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, part of the UNESCO World Heritage list — a place of remembrance and reverence.

At Fort de Bondues, the Resistance Museum honors those who stood against occupation with powerful stories for all ages.

In Armentières, step back to 1915 at Mademoiselle from Armentières cafe — gramophone tunes and early 20th-century charm make tea time timeless.

Family tip: download the children’s booklet to understand the Great War from a child’s point of view, with quizzes, riddles and true stories.

Hidden Chapels & Windmill Wonders

In the villages of Aubers, Herlies, La Bassée and Bousbecque, chapels on street corners or in hamlets dot the red brick landscape. Small shrines in bloom, statues behind grates, votive plaques… These places are simple but vibrant. They bear witness to a popular faith and a living local memory.

Further afield, the mills (sometimes in ruins, sometimes restored, as in Halluin) are reminders of a time when water and wind gave rhythm to the day.

Photo tip: wait for the low evening light to capture the poetry of an isolated chapel or mill against a pastel sky.

Walk in the footsteps of those who lived here

Take to the footpaths… wander along paths, streets and lanes… admire the landscape lined with becks and rivers… follow the paths of memory, signposted in the Weppes, between Fromelles, Le Maisnil and Illies in particular. Follow the Chemin du Front Ouest, a 30km memorial trail through the Weppes, where peaceful landscapes and memorial panels bring the Great War to life in a different way, with emotion and silence. These routes reveal the region in a different way: not through dates, but through stories, gestures and silences.

The team at the Metropolitan Tourist Office welcomes you with a smile to its 5 branches in Lille, Roubaix, Tourcoing, Villeneuve-d’Ascq and Armentières! Come and explore the richness and diversity of the Lille metropolitan area, and let us guide you to discover its hidden treasures. We look forward to seeing you and sharing all the facets of our beautiful region!