It is time to explore the city of Lille, and what would be a better way than to start by discovering their coffee shops? From vegan-friendly to most local and traditional, as well as those known for their specialties, we know it all.
It is time to explore the city of Lille, and what would be a better way than to start by discovering their coffee shops? From vegan-friendly to most local and traditional, as well as those known for their specialties, we know it all.
This beautiful cafe opened its doors in 1997. It began in Lille, and is now in various cities around the world due to the fame it received from its very first shop. Aux Merveilleux de Fred is three set locations in Lille that you can choose from, but the closest to the Urban Campus Saint So’ Coliving would be 15 minute metro ride to Montebello.
Nothing makes it feel more real than watching your baked goods be made right in front of you. When you visit, be sure to peak through the window so you can admire the pastry cooks doing their signature “Merveilleux cake”.
You must try the “Le Merveilleux”, which is a pastry composed of meringue domes and their secret cream. This particular pastry has many different flavors you can choose from; speculoos, coffee, vanila, and chocolate.
Location: Aux Merveilleux de Fred, 336 Rue Léon Gambetta
Cafés Méo began in the 1920’s, in the North of France. It is the very first company specialized in high quality coffee beans. They opened their first location also in Lille in 1928. A spectacular place to visit, and worth purchasing a bag of their coffee beans to take home.
Location: 5 Pl. du Général de Gaulle
La Clairière has vegan, local and organic food (and bonus – they are pet friendly).
This coffee shop is a real reference in Lille for whoever wants to eat healthy in a cozy environment. Doesn’t this description just “scream” brunch to you? That’s right – its the place to be every Sunday.
Location: 75 Bd de la Liberté
The name may have given it away, but this coffee shop is known for its various home-made British and American pastries (brownies, shortbread and of course, cookies). If you’re new to town you must try their scones with salted better and pair it with a hot cup of tea.
It is important to note that Elizabeth’s is very small, but that is what makes it so unique.
Location: 69-71 Rue Basse
We believe that knowing the closest coffee shop to your new home is equally as important to the others. Within 5 minutes from the coliving you can find a quaint little café to have that mini escape. Café Augustin is very diverse, you can easily find yourself remote working, attending one of the workshops they offer, or even listening to some live music – all while eating delicious homemade food.
Location: 57 Rue de Valenciennes
In case you are a coffee fanatic, this is the place for you as it is both a coffee shop and coffee roaster. Coffee Makers is a great place to start the day and enjoy some of their delicious cinnamon toast. Looking for something a little more healthy? Ask for their homemade granola – for 11€ you can pair it with fresh fruit juice and a hot drink.
Location: 151 Rue Pierre Mauroy
Most likely this could be one of the most important places of the city. Oxalis & Bergamote’s high-quality pastries and cuisine is located in a refined place. Lillois (people from Lille) go here, so you know if the locals go, it’s for a reason.
Location: 44 Rue d’Angleterre
L’impertinente auto-proclaims themselves as a “Pony-club” instead of a coffees shop. It is even visible in their entrance and Instagram “The only Pony-club in Lille that sells cakes!”
If you understand and speak French, they also have a lot of funny sentences inside their coffee cups, they are often puns, based on French proverbs.
This trendy shop has two locations in Lille, however, you can also order their pastries and many other items directly from their website.
Location: 9 Bd Papin
If you love the comforting smell of a homemade brioche that just came out from the oven, this is the place to be. Briocherie Sylvana offer’s a large choice of salted and sweet brioches, tasty babkas, and gourmet breads.
Location: 24 Bd Victor Hugo
Mentioned in all the touristic guides of the world, Meert 1677 is the oldest coffee shop in Lille. It is its luxury service and delicious vanilla fine waffles that made the reputation of the house. We will warn you that you will most definitely have to wait in a queue with the tourists, but this is worth it.
Location: 25-27 Rue Esquermoise
