Visit Lille · Walks
Walks and nature around Lille
Between urban parks and great open-air sites, room to walk, picnic or fill a family afternoon — often free of charge, a few minutes from Maison La Vesée.
Lille is a dense city, but its metropolis is not short of green spaces. Here are the outings worth the detour, all within reach of your stay.
Four outings
The great green spaces.
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The Citadelle park and its zoo
Lille, centre · 15–20 min · free
At the heart of Lille, the park spreads around the 17th-century Vauban citadel: shaded paths, the banks of the Deûle, play areas. It is home to Lille zoo, which is free — entry is on presentation of the «Lille & moi» pass (free, on registration) — and shows more than 350 animals in a wooded setting. Numbers climb on fine-weather weekends: prefer a weekday or the morning.
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The Lac du Héron, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq
Villeneuve-d'Ascq · 25-30 min · natural area
East of the metropolis, the Parc du Héron and its lake form one of the largest natural areas on the edge of Lille. You walk there, watch the birds, hire a rowing boat in the warm season. A soothing setting, far from the bustle of the centre.
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The Parc Mosaïc, in Houplin-Ancoisne
Houplin-Ancoisne · 25–30 min · seasonal, paid
A garden of cultures: a succession of themed gardens evoking the origins of the metropolis's inhabitants, with activities, animals and play areas. Designed for families, it easily fills half a day. Seasonal opening and paid entry — check before coming.
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The Près du Hem
Near Maison La Vesée · leisure park
Close to the residence, a vast leisure park around a lake: walks, water activities in season, picnic areas. A simple, family-friendly nature option without going far. Seasonal opening depending on the activities.
How to fit it into your stay
A morning in the green, then the quiet.
These outings combine well with half a day in Lille: the Citadelle park goes with nearby Vieux-Lille, say a morning at the zoo then lunch in the city. For days when you'd rather not drive, the Près du Hem is right next to the boutique residence. And on the way back, the south-facing pool in season or the spa naturally rounds off a day in the open air.
Frequently asked questions
In practice.
Is Lille zoo really free?
Yes, entry is free; it is on presentation of the «Lille & moi» pass (free, on registration). It's one of the few zoos in France without a paid ticket, and it pairs well with a walk in the Citadelle park.
Which outings for children?
The Citadelle zoo and the Parc Mosaïc are the most suited to young children. The Près du Hem and the Lac du Héron suit families looking for space and water.
Are these parks open all year?
The urban parks such as the Citadelle and the Lac du Héron, yes. The Parc Mosaïc and some Près du Hem activities follow seasonal opening — check according to the time of year.
Which nature outing without going far from Maison La Vesée?
The Près du Hem is the closest. For a large green space in the city, the Citadelle park remains the safe bet, a quarter of an hour away.
In bad weather, see what to do in Lille when it rains. For the city, see Vieux-Lille on foot.
