A day trip to Lille, France | Photo route & off-the-beaten-path chocolate ice cream shops
🇫🇷I originally planned to use Lille as a transit point between Paris and Brussels, but I was unexpectedly pleasantly surprised by the city!
We drove to Parking Indigo Lille Grand Place, and right outside was a spacious square. The surrounding French red-brick buildings seemed to have a built-in filter, with the old stock exchange and the Lille Chamber of Commerce clock tower standing quietly nearby. It was exceptionally peaceful on Sunday, with few tourists.
We strolled into Lille's old town, where narrow streets and cobblestone lanes stretched as far as the eye could see. Cafes and bakeries were open one after another, and there were many locals queuing to buy baguettes. Every corner felt like a scene from a movie.
🗺️ A super easy, no-detour photo-taking route I personally tested!
🚞 Train station/parking lot → Old Stock Exchange → Grand Place/Grace Column → Old Town Notre-Dame Basilica → Astral GLACE ice cream shop → Place aux Oignons → Countess Museum → Canal District stroll → Take photos at the Château de la Cité on a sunny evening 🤳🏻
Near the Lille Notre-Dame Basilica, I was drawn to a small, unassuming shop – the sign read ASTRAL GLACE. Pushing open the door, the air was filled with the aroma of cocoa 🍫. The shelves were lined with ASTRAL CHOCOLAT handmade chocolates, arranged like works of art, each one tempting to linger.
Especially the twelve zodiac chocolates; the starry sky packaging was so beautiful, the perfect souvenir.
The ice cream display case was a nightmare of choices! The staff were incredibly patient, letting me try several flavors. In the end, I chose the orange blossom roasted almond (pictured in picture 6), and the first bite was a delightful surprise! Sweet and not cloying, with crunchy almond bits to enjoy—so unique and delicious!
I also ordered a hot chocolate ☕️ and a Sunrise Waffle 🧇; the contrast of hot and cold instantly brought me immense happiness! There's also a four-piece chocolate gift box (pictured in 8), with chocolate, hazelnuts, almonds, and cranberries. I couldn't stop eating them when I got home that night…
The light in Lille before sunset is so gentle, bathing the red brick walls in golden light. The streets are quiet, and the breeze is light. If you ever pass through Lille, or choose to travel between Paris and Lille, you should definitely take your time here. Remember to add the Asta chocolate ice cream to your shopping list.
Even just for a piece of chocolate and a cup of ice cream, this city is incredibly worthwhile.