A Travel Price Comparison for France Reims vs. Lille for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Attractions

Should you visit Reims or Lille?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reims or Lille, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Reims

Reims is a relaxing, scenic, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille

Lille is a fascinating, cultural, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Reims and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reims or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lille than Reims, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lille is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Reims is known for its museums. Reims is more touristy than Lille and is known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also home to Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Reims different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lille and Reims. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Reims or Lille?

Reims is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Reims offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

Is the Food Better in Reims or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Reims and Lille offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Reims is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

Many restaurants in Lille have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

Is Reims or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Lille is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Reims or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lille to see the historical old town. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Reims or Lille?

Lille is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Lille is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Is Reims or Lille Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Reims or Lille as a family destination.

Reims doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

For families, Lille is not always the best place to visit. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Is Reims or Lille Better for Couples?

Reims is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Reims has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

Lille is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Is Reims or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims and Lille are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Lille is a good city to visit for backpackers. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

Is Reims or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is well known for students. However, Reims is not popular with students.

Lille is a great city to visit as a student. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

Reims is not popular with students.

Is Reims or Lille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lille is well known for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Lille offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Reims or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Lille on foot is easy. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored on foot.

Reims is very walkable. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Reims Worth Visiting? and Is Lille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lille or Reims?

How long in Reims or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Reims and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than in Lille. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Reims, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

Families should spend more time in Lille than Reims. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lille, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille than Reims if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lille.

One day in Reims or Lille?

In Reims, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Lille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this under-rated destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Reims or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reims. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Reims or Lille?

Reims is a fun place to experience. In Reims, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Lille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Reims or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Reims. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the culinary destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Reims and Lille, we can see that Reims is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Reims Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Reims or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Reims. When comparing the sizes of Reims and Lille, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Reims or Lille?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Reims or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reims and Lille. The summer months attract visitors to Reims because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In July, Reims is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 19°C (65°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In Reims, it's very sunny this time of the year. Reims usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Reims gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Reims usually receives less rain than Lille. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Reims or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Reims as well as Lille. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reims this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Reims is around the same temperature as Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Reims often gets more sunshine than Lille. Reims gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reims or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Reims are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Reims for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lille can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Reims. In the winter, Reims is cooler than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reims in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Reims usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during winter. Reims gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Reims usually receives less rain than Lille. Reims gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Reims or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Reims during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Reims in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Reims is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 9°C (49°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Reims often gets more sunshine than Lille. Reims gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lille. Reims gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Reims