Lille is one of the most beautiful cities in France with a great foodie scene but also some fantastic museums. On my recent weekend getaway to Lille I visited 3 of the many museums found around the city.

LaM

LaM is home to Lille’s modern art collection. I haven’t been a huge fan of modern art in the past but it’s something that is definitely growing on me. LaM turned out to be my favourite museum in Lille and I discovered plenty of pieces which I loved.

A modern art museum wouldn’t be complete with at least one Picasso.

Picasso

Modigliani (buried at Pere Lachaise in Paris) has a number of paintings here. When Modigliani died in 1920 his 9 month pregnant girlfriend was so distraught she jumped out of a 5th floor window, killing herself and their unborn child.

Modigliani Nude

I don’t know what this is about but I like it.

Modern Art in Lille

Palais des Beaux-Arts

The Palais des Beaux-Arts is Lille’s most lauded museum and the second largest in France after the Louvre.

I love the expression on this woman’s face (they called her Jeanne the crazy one, lol) as she is waiting for her dead husband to be resurrected.

Jeanne La Folle Lille

One of the most famous paintings at the Palais des Beaux-Arts is the Houses of Parliament, London by Claude Monet.

Claude Monet London Parliament

There are also a number of sculptures by Auguste Rodin, one of my favourite French artists.

Rodin at Palais des Beaux Arts in Lille

Although I ran out of time to visit, I’ve heard great things about La Piscine, Lille’s other premier museum located in the suburb of Roubaix.

Outside of Lille

If you are interested in military or Australian history then you might want to add another museum to your itinerary in Lille. Fromelles is a village just outside of the city and is the location of one of Australia’s most devastating battles in history with more than 5,500 Australian soldiers killed, wounded or taken prisoner within 24 hours. The museum at the town hall is open on the 2nd Sunday of each month and you’ll need a car to get there but it’s well worth the trip. Along with the museum you can visit the newly established military cemetery and memorial as well as seeing the exact location of the battlefields and front line.

Fromelles Military Cemetery

Entrance to LaM, the Palais des Beaux-Arts and La Piscine is included in Lille’s City Pass which also gets you free public transport which you’ll need to visit both LaM and La Piscine. The City Pass is available for 1, 2 or 3 days and you can purchase it at the Tourist Office in Place Rihour.