Lille is wonderfully suited to cycling. Flat as a pancake and equipped with a rapidly expanding cycle network, the Lille metropolitan area is an ideal playground for cyclists. Whether you are a resident or a visiting tourist (particularly for the Braderie!), here is our complete guide to pedalling in Lille.
V'Lille: the bike-sharing scheme
The V'Lille system offers more than 2,000 bicycles spread across 220 stations throughout the metropolitan area. A short-term subscription (1 or 7 days) is available for visitors. The first 30 minutes are free, which is more than enough for most city journeys. It is an excellent alternative for getting around during the Braderie.
The main cycle paths
The Lille cycle network extends over more than 200 kilometres. The main routes include the Deûle greenway, a secure path along the canal linking Lille to Lambersart and Marquette, the North-South axis connecting Lille-Europe station to the hospital via the Citadel, and the cycling ring road that circles the city centre.
Recommended bike rides
- Citadel loop (5 km): a pleasant loop around the Citadel park, through the green spaces
- Deûle Canal (15 km one way): from Lille to Wambrechies along the canal, with a possible stop at the gin distillery
- Parks loop (12 km): Citadel, Bois de Boulogne, Parc Barbieux in Roubaix
- Flemish escape (25 km): to Mont des Cats via Bailleul and the rolling landscapes of inland Flanders
Cycling and the Braderie de Lille
The bicycle is a clever way to reach the Braderie without worrying about parking. Additional bike racks are installed on the outskirts of the pedestrian zone. However, do bring a sturdy lock and do not leave your bike unattended for too long.