Things To Do
in Lomme
Lomme is a leafy, mostly residential district in the Lille Métropole, just a short tram ride from downtown Lille. It blends quiet suburbs with convenient access to shops, cafés and green spaces. The area is easy to navigate on foot or by bike, with direct links to Lille’s historic center and cultural attractions.
Expect a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and the chance to sample regional dishes in nearby brasseries.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
The crisp morning air welcomes you as you arrive at Lomme station, with potted plant stalls already bustling on Place des Ormes. You settle into your charming boutique guesthouse just a stone's throw from the market square. Local vendors offer an array of cheeses, freshly baked baguettes and fruity pastries that perfectly set the tone for your immersive stay.
After sampling a selection of cheeses, take a scenic stroll along the Deule canal and watch barges glide by. Stop at a waterside cafe for a light lunch of quiche Lorraine and a glass of rose. Engage in friendly banter with locals as you savor the simple pleasures of northern French life.
As dusk settles, head to a cozy brasserie tucked into a cobbled lane near the church of Saint-Pierre-en-Cite. Try a hearty potjevleesch paired with a crisp local beer as soft light spills onto yellow-hued brick facades. Finish the evening with a leisurely walk back under gas-lit street lamps.
Rise early to the gentle chimes of the church bells at Eglise Saint-Pierre. Join a guided heritage trail through Lomme's winding lanes, where carved limestone facades and ironwork balconies whisper tales of bygone eras. Capture morning light filtering through stained glass windows as you learn about the town's industrial roots.
Continue your history immersion at the Musee de l'Hospice Comtesse in nearby Lille, admiring medieval relics and Flemish tapestries. Grab a savory fish stew at a gastro-pub overlooking the Deule river. Spend time practicing French with friendly staff and fellow travelers.
Return to Lomme for a traditional flamiche dinner made with local leeks and smoky bacon in a warm bistro. Sip a regional biere de garde while live accordion melodies drift through the dining room. Let the rustic charm of exposed floorboards and vintage photos lull you into tranquil contentment.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $3-5 |
| 🚇Public transport ticket (one-way) | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $85-140 |
| 🧀Weekly groceries basket | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Lille’s historic center and world-class museums
- Excellent regional cuisine and vibrant markets
- Extensive tram and bike connections for easy travel
- Several green spaces and canal-side scenery within reach
- Can be busy and pricier around peak tourist seasons
- Outer parts of the metro area may require car or longer transit times
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est... ?" - Where is...?
- "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does it cost?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
- "Je voudrais..." - I would like...
- "Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ?" - Could you repeat, please?
Places to Visit in Lomme
Visit one of these nice places.
The heart of Lille with ornate façades and daily life; ideal for street photography and sunlit square shots.
Classical architecture and stately steps offer elegant vignette shots, especially around golden hour.
A scenic park landscape with tree-lined avenues, moats, and bridges; perfect for wide-angle nature photography.
Tower views and city panoramas from the Belfry provide dramatic vertical shots.
Historic bridges and canal-side vistas along the Deûle offer reflective waterline photographs.
Food in Lomme
Lomme Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich Flemish beef stew braised in beer, typically served with fries or crusty bread.
Must-Try!
Mussels cooked in beer or cream, served with a generous portion of crispy fries.
A cold terrine of mixed meats set in jelly, a regional specialty often found in brasseries.
Savory cheese tart featuring the strong, distinctive maroilles cheese.
Toasted bread topped with melted cheddar-like Welsh cheese and beer-based sauce, a popular local Bistro option.
Breaded pork or beef meatballs, commonly served with fries and a side of salad.
A light, minty confection from nearby Cambrai; a popular sweet treat to finish a meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of Lille’s liveliest markets, offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, pastries, and ready-to-eat bites.
Urban market near the city center with quick bites, crêpes, and street-food stalls on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet with 'Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur' when entering shops or cafés; say 'merci' when leaving.
French conversation emphasizes courtesy; avoid loud public debates in casual settings and use polite phrases like 's'il vous plaît' and 'excusez-moi'.
Two-cheek kisses (la bise) are common among friends; handshakes are common in professional contexts.
Safety
Tipping in Lomme
Ensure a smooth experience
In France, service is often included in the bill (service compris). If you’re satisfied, rounding up or leaving a small extra tip (5-10%) in restaurants or bars is common, especially for good service.
Cards (credit/debit, including contactless) are widely accepted; cash is always handy for markets and small vendors. ATMs are common in Lille and Lomme.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming parks make it a great time for outdoor photography and city walks. Expect occasional showers; carry a compact umbrella.
Warm days with long daylight hours; ideal for outdoor markets, riverfront strolls, and café terraces. Air can be humid; stay hydrated.
Pleasant temperatures with amber-lit streets and autumn foliage; excellent for architecture photography and quiet strolls.
Cool to cold with frequent rain; festive lighting and indoor attractions shine. Pack a warm coat and waterproof footwear.
Lomme at Night
Hiking in Lomme
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rugged river valleys and woodland trails near Douai and Valenciennes for easy to moderate hikes.
Urban-to-rural canal-side paths ideal for short hikes and long, scenic walks.
Wooded trails and lakes a short drive west of Lille for longer day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Lomme by plane.
A small international airport near Lesquin, offering regional and some European connections; 15-20 minutes by car or transit from Lomme.
Major international hub in Belgium; about a 1.5–2 hour drive or rail journey from Lille, with extensive European and international routes.
Large international hub within a few hours by train or car; convenient for long-haul connections and extensive European flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large student presence in Lille brings a lively nightlife, affordable dining, and academic events.
Residential neighborhoods offer schools, parks, and safe walking areas for children.
Many commute to Lille’s center; the area enjoys diverse, international residents and a growing tech and services scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Lille OSC is the region’s premier club; football is deeply rooted in local culture and matchdays draw big crowds.
Flat, scenic routes and canal paths make cycling popular for residents and visitors alike.
Municipal courts and local clubs offer seasonal leagues and casual play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lomme.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in brasseries and cafés. Look for plats du jour with seasonal vegetables, salads, quiches, and fromage; ask for 'plat végétarien' or 'sans viande' and be prepared for cheese-forward plates.