One day in Lille

A One-Day Stroll Through Lille – With Food Allergies in Tow

Traveling with food allergies can sometimes feel like a puzzle. But with a little flexibility and low-key planning, even a short trip can turn into a lovely experience — even if you have to skip the croissants! I recently spent a single day in Lille, France, and while I couldn’t sample all the sweet treats the city is known for (more on that later), the experience was still charming, colorful, and mostly smooth — with a few food allergy workarounds along the way.

A Surprise Start: Easter Monday in Full Swing

We visited Lille on the second day of Easter, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much to be open. But to our surprise, the city was very much alive — shops, cafés, and even museums were buzzing with locals and tourists. This made our spontaneous stroll much more fun.

The Plan: Keep It Simple

Since it was just a short day trip, I didn’t go into full-on prep mode like I would for a longer vacation. I have food allergies to eggs, nuts, and sesame, so I knew I wouldn't be able to eat everything along the way. But with my safe cookies packed and a general idea of how to navigate meals, I felt prepared enough.

Walking Through Lille

We started with the essentials: the Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle), which is always the heart of the city and a good place to get your bearings. The architecture is stunning — colorful, Flemish-style buildings and the historic La Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange), where book stalls and chess games add to the local charm.

We also stopped by a church nearby and tried to visit the Charles de Gaulle Birthplace Museum, but unfortunately, we didn’t have a reservation. That’s one of those things I’d definitely book in advance next time!

Coffee Break (With a Side of Cookies)

As the day wore on, we took a break at a cozy patisserie. My family indulged in some classic French pastries, and while I couldn’t join them (thanks, eggs and nuts…), I was more than happy with my own allergy-safe cookies and a cup of cappuccino. It’s always nice to feel included even when you’re not eating the same thing.

The Midday Food Dilemma

By late afternoon, we realized we needed more than sugar and caffeine to keep going. But here’s something we forgot: restaurants in Lille tend to close between 15:00–17:00. It’s exactly the time we usually like to grab lunch when traveling — after some sightseeing, once the first wave of the lunch crowd has cleared.

Our chosen restaurant was already closed, so we had to get a bit creative.

Pizza Hut to the Rescue

When in doubt, shopping centers usually have something open. We headed there, and while the food options weren’t exactly gourmet, Pizza Hut turned out to be a safe choice. I double-checked ingredients and ordered a simple Margarita pizza, which thankfully met all my allergy requirements. Not exactly the local cuisine I’d hoped for, but sometimes you have to prioritize safety and practicality over flavor.

Final Thoughts

Lille left a great impression, even with the minor food challenges. It’s walk able, beautiful, and full of personality. I’d definitely love to come back — this time with better food timing and hopefully a more local dining experience. And if you’re visiting with food allergies, a bit of flexibility and having your own snacks goes a long way.

Have you traveled with allergies? I’d love to hear your favorite go-to meals or tips for spontaneous trips!