Car Hire Lille

Find our Lille car rental desks at the city's major transport hubs, in addition to several other convenient locations around Lille, including its main train stations. Lille Lesquin Airport is located 8 km south of the city centre. Further afield, our car hire services at locations like Lens Train Station provide quick access to the spectacular Louvre-Lens art complex and the scenic battlefields and historical sites of northern France. 

The moment you arrive, we’ve got you covered. Whether you fancy a cute compact for an urban jaunt, an elegant saloon for a business trip or a spacious people carrier for a family holiday, your perfect vehicle awaits.

We’ll pack all the extras you need to get the most from your venture – from sat nav and super-fast mobile Wi-Fi, to our tailored range of child seats.  And, you don’t have to drive full-circle: why not make the most of one way car hire? 

Simply choose a date and time and we’ll prepare your quality hire car.

What is Lille famous for? 

The warm and festive city of Lille is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region, famous for its stunning Flemish baroque architecture, the historic Old Stock Exchange (Vieille Bourse), and the expansive Grand Place. It is also home to world-class art collections, the renowned Palais des Beaux-Arts, and the legendary annual Braderie de Lille—the largest flea market in Europe. 

What’s the weather like in Lille? 

Lille’s climate is temperate oceanic, characterized by mild summers, relatively chilly winters, and moderate rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year. 

Which Lille transport hub is most convenient for car hire? 

Both the Lille Europe and Lille Flandres train stations sit directly in the city centre, making them perfect if you arrive via Eurostar or TGV. If you are flying in, the Lille Lesquin Airport desk allows you to pick up your keys immediately upon landing. 

Which Lille transport hub is closest to the city? 

The closest transport hubs to the city centre of Lille are the Lille Europe Train Station and Lille Flandres Train Station—both sit directly inside the city centre. Lille Lesquin Airport is located approximately 5 miles (8 km) south of Lille. 

Which Lille airport is closest to the Belgian border? 

Lille Lesquin Airport is the nearest airport to the Belgian border, located approximately 11 miles (18 km) away from the border line, offering quick access to Belgian cities like Tournai and Ypres. 

If you are driving in the north of France for the first time, it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with French road rules. Some key points include:

Which side of the road? 

In France, please drive on the right side of the road. 

Country driving laws 

Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device. Do not use headphones or earpieces. 

In towns and rural areas, on minor roads where there is no clear indication of right of way, it may be prudent to give way to traffic coming from the right (“priorité à droite”). 

• Many French city centres are low-emission zones. You cannot enter them without a Crit'Air sticker displayed on your windscreen. 
• Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis, and bicycles. 
• It is recommended that drivers use dipped headlights at all times. 

Speed Limits 

All speed signs will be in km/h.  For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers: 

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph) 
• Rural roads (Single carriageways): 80 km/h (50 mph) 
• Dual carriageways: 110 km/h (68 mph) 
• Motorways (Autoroutes): 130 km/h (80 mph) 

Child safety / Seatbelt laws 

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt. 
• For the first 3 years of holding a licence, new drivers must display a white disc bearing a red letter 'A' at the rear of the vehicle and adhere to lower probationary speed limits. 
• Children must be seated in an appropriate child restraint or car seat tailored to their size and weight. 

With its Flemish origins and a rich history of Spanish, Austrian, and French influence, Lille has long been a vibrant cultural crossroads. The capital of the Hauts-de-France region hosts millions of visitors every year who come to experience its festive atmosphere and historic charm. 

During the golden age of the 17th century, regional trade transformed the city into an architectural marvel. As a result, spectacular relics such as the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange) remain beautifully preserved in the heart of the Grand Place. Duck into the nearby Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France’s largest fine art museums, followed by a wander through the cobblestone alleys of Vieux-Lille (Old Lille) to admire the beautifully restored 17th-century brick facades. 

Lille is also a highly strategic commercial hub, drawing shoppers to its stylish boutiques and the massive Euralille complex. Every September, the city streets transform completely for the legendary Braderie de Lille, Europe's largest annual flea market, where millions of bargain hunters gather. 

Food aficionados will have plenty to discover too, from local pâtisseries serving traditional gaufres (waffles) stuffed with vergeoise sugar, to authentic northern estaminets (traditional taverns) offering hearty local dishes like Carbonnade Flamande and a feast of regional cheeses like Maroilles.

The Opal Coast (Côte d'Opale) 

Take a trip to the dramatic northern coastline, about 80 miles to the west. Drive along the scenic routes to discover the spectacular cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, which offer panoramic views across the English Channel. 

Ypres and the Flanders Battlefields 

Cross into Belgium to visit the historic town of Ypres, located just 25 miles north of Lille. It is the perfect base to explore the moving historic monuments, museums, and Commonwealth war graves of the Flanders region. 

Arras and Lens 

Nearby Lens is home to the stunning Louvre-Lens museum, a modern glass outpost of the famous Parisian institution built on a former mining site. Pair your visit with a trip to Arras, which boasts some of the finest baroque-style squares and historic underground tunnels in northern France. 

Avis offers a rental experience designed to make your travels easier from the moment you arrive in Lille. Our Lille car rental location offers quick vehicle collection so you can continue your journey without delay.

• Fully flexible
  Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.

• Savings on coverage
  When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.

• Loyalty benefits
  Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.

• Faster collection
  Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.

• VIP treatment
  Get priority counter service on collection with Avis Preferred. At our larger locations you can use our Avis app to go straight to your car where the keys will be waiting for you.