Lille Shopping - Shops, Stores, Best Buys & Inside Tips

The northern French city of Lille is a just a stone's throw from Belgium. Lille offers all kinds of shopping opportunities. The Christmas market makes a fine place to enjoy the holiday spirit and find a special gift. Other kinds of shopping include a huge mall, an open air market, and charming pedestrian streets for window shopping.

One of the largest Christmas markets in Northern Europe, the market has many stores and shops, as well as a ferris wheel. During the holiday season, look for the 18-meter high Christmas tree often topped with snow.

This ultramodern shopping center is a large market in the center of town. Inside are more than a hundred shops and even a hotel.

Many streets in Lille are ideal for strolling and shopping. You'll find lots of small shops selling items like books and jewelry. You'll also find larger French chains that make a great place to go and stock up on essentials. This is also a good place to head for an afternoon in a cafe just sipping a cup of coffee and watching the student and tourist population pass by.

The is the place to be if you're looking for something to eat or drink in Lille and the liveliest place in the city early on a Sunday morning. There's an indoor section that's open every day of the week except Monday. There's also an adjacent outdoor market that's open three days a week. Look for pastries in the covered section showcasing local French specialties and plentiful cheese and wine stalls.

Editor's note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about shopping in Lille.