A 2CV tour in Lille is pure fun. You get a private spin through the old streets, plus local tastings built into the price. The one thing to keep in mind is that a vintage convertible can feel a bit snug if you’re trying to stand up during stops.

What I like most is how fast you get oriented. In about an hour, you’re seeing the key sights that make Lille feel like Lille, from Porte de Paris to the Grand Place. I also really like the way the tasting fits the ride, not like an afterthought.

The route is easy to enjoy, but you should set your expectations about the tasting size. One guest noted the food part felt small, so if you’re coming hungry, plan to treat the snacks as a bonus, not a full meal.

Key things to know before you hop in

• It’s private for just your group, so you can take it at your pace and ask questions.
• Vintage convertible 2CV driving through Lille’s tight old-town lanes makes the sights feel close.
• Tastings are included, and local beer and nibbles show up on the stop.
• You’ll pass major landmarks from the car, including Porte de Paris and Lille’s Belfry.
• De Gaulle sites and Grand Place architecture are part of the storytelling, not just photo stops.
• Departures run in morning, afternoon, or evening, so you can match it to your day.

Meet at Place Rihour, then head into Lille’s tight old streets

Your tour starts at Place Rihour (Pl. Rihour, 59800 Lille). It’s a handy meeting point because it puts you right in the center of things, and it makes it easy to build the rest of your day around the ride.

From there, you’re not doing a long walk tour. You’re rolling. That matters in Lille because the best parts of the old town can be compact, turning a typical sightseeing day into stop-start maneuvering. The 2CV cuts through that feeling, letting you enjoy the sights without constantly checking where you are headed next.

Also, since it’s convertible, you get that open-air feel. On good weather days, the ride becomes more than transportation. It becomes the experience.

Porte de Paris and the Belfry views from an open-top ride

One of the tour’s big strengths is that it mixes iconic architecture with “look closer” moments. You’ll head toward Porte de Paris, which sits next to the famous Belfry of Lille. Even if you’ve only seen photos, it’s the kind of structure that suddenly makes sense when you view it from different angles.

The best part is that you’ll actually see the belfry through the 2CV as you pass nearby. It’s not just a distant skyline shot. You get that street-level perspective that makes the scale feel real, especially around Porte de Paris.

If you enjoy snapping photos, this is a good tour for that. The 2CV draws attention in a friendly way. People may smile or wave when you roll by, which turns your sightseeing into a mini street festival.

Meert pastry street pass: a quick hit of Lille flavor culture

Right in the old-town area, the tour passes by a street known for Meert pastry. Even if you’re not stopping for a full purchase at that moment, it’s a nice way to connect the city’s “sweet reputation” to the places you’re physically seeing.

This is also the kind of stop that works well on a short tour. You get the cultural breadcrumb, then you can decide later if you want to return on foot to buy something.

One practical note: because this is a car tour, you’re usually not lingering long at each point. If your goal is to shop, bring that energy for later. Treat this ride as orientation plus atmosphere.

Grand Place and the old Stock Exchange building: architecture at street speed

As you move toward the Grand Place, you’ll pass the old stock exchange, a 17th-century building on the square. This is a big reason to consider a guided ride even when you’re comfortable navigating on your own.

Why? Squares like this can be visually stunning but hard to decode quickly. From the car, you get a simple way to understand what you’re looking at: where the building sits, how the area is laid out, and what makes it important in the city’s story.

The ride keeps things light, but the narration adds the “why.” If you care about architecture, this part can give you just enough context to enjoy your later stroll through the square.

Rihour Palace from the car, plus a sense of where to walk next

At Rihour place, you’ll see Rihour Palace, built in the 15th century. Like the Belfry area, it’s the kind of landmark that looks different depending on your approach, and the 2CV gives you that moving viewpoint.

What I like here is how the tour sets up future self-guided time. After you’ve rolled past the palace and key squares, you’re not starting from zero when you return on foot. You already have the “map feeling” in your head.

This is the value of a tight route. A one-hour tour is not trying to replace a full day in Lille. It’s trying to give you the compass so your longer exploring feels easier.

De Gaulle family house and museum pass: context without the crowds

You also pass by the house and museum connected to the De Gaulle family. This is one of those stops that can add a surprising layer to a city trip, especially if your focus is usually food and architecture.

The narration is what makes it work. On a short tour, you do not need a long museum visit to appreciate the relevance of the site. You just need a clear explanation of what you’re seeing, so the place has meaning when you glance at it from the street.

If you’re the type who likes history but does not want to plan a long indoor block, this is a good balance.

Local products tasting: beer and nibbles that fit the ride, with one caveat

Tastings are included in the tour price, and the tour is built around local products. In the experience reports, the tasting includes local beers and snacks/nibbles, which is a fun way to experience the region without making your day about a sit-down meal.

I like the idea because it feels specific. Lille is not just about one famous dish. It’s about the food culture around the city, and tasting as you see landmarks makes the experience feel tied to place.

That said, there’s one consideration you should respect. One guest felt the tasting was too minimal for the cost. So I’d treat this as a curated snack stop, not a replacement for dinner. If you want a real meal, plan one after the tour.

If you’re sensitive to alcohol or prefer not to drink beer, keep in mind that beer is specifically mentioned as part of the tastings. You can still enjoy the overall tour, but this is worth factoring into your expectations.

Timing, pacing, and why the 1-hour format works

You get about 1 hour on the clock. That length is ideal for an intro tour, especially if you’re only in Lille for a short stretch. It’s long enough to cover the main sights and short enough that you won’t feel drained.

The pacing also tends to be relaxed. Guides have been praised for not rushing and for adding humor and stories that make the landmarks easier to remember. In multiple accounts, names like Rafi, Nico, Ragiz, Simon, Annabelle, Tibo, Charles, Charlie, Baptiste, and Lison came up, and the consistent theme is that the drivers guide with personality, not just facts.

This is one of those tours that fits well at the start of your visit. You’ll come away with a mental outline of Lille, so your later walking feels more like exploring with intention.

Price and value for a private 2CV ride (about $72 per person)

The price is listed as $72.41 per person for a 1-hour private tour, with tastings included. On paper, it can sound like a splurge. In practice, you’re paying for three things at once:

1) The private guide-driver experience

2) The iconic vintage 2CV ride

3) Local food and beer bundled into the outing

When you break it down this way, the value depends on what you want from your day. If you’re the sort of traveler who enjoys style, stories, and a pre-planned route that still feels personal, it can be a smart use of budget.

If your main goal is eating big, then the tasting size might not satisfy you. For that kind of trip, you’d pair this with a proper meal plan after.

My practical advice: book this as a highlight tour. Then use the rest of your time to go deeper on foot, especially around the squares and old lanes you’ll see from the car.

Who should book this 2CV tour, and who might skip it

I think this tour is a great fit if you want:

• A quick orientation to old Lille
• A fun, photo-friendly way to see major landmarks like Porte de Paris and the Belfry
• A short tasting stop that gives you a local flavor moment

It might not be the best choice if:

• You’re expecting a lot of standing room inside a vintage car
• You want a meal-sized food experience, not snack-sized tastings

Also, the car can feel tight. One review mentioned the car being a squeeze when people wanted to stand. If you’re tall, traveling with mobility needs, or you dislike cramped spaces, plan to sit comfortably and enjoy the ride that way.

Should you book the Lille 2CV tour with tastings?

Yes, if you want a fun, efficient way to see Lille’s top sights in a private setting, with local beers and snacks included. This is one of those experiences where the transport and the guiding both matter, and they help you fall in love with the city fast.

If you’re coming specifically for food, don’t count on the tastings to replace a full meal. Treat it as a bonus stop, then build your dinner plan separately.

Finally, if you’re traveling with someone who loves vehicles, street scenes, or photo moments, this is a high-odds win. It’s a playful way to spend an hour, while still getting real context for the landmarks you’ll likely return to later.

FAQ

How long is the private Lille tour?

The tour lasts about 1 hour.

Is this a private tour or a shared group?

It’s a private experience. Only your group participates.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Place Rihour (Pl. Rihour, 59800 Lille, France). The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Are the tastings included in the price?

Yes. All local product tastings are included in the tour price.

What sights will we pass during the ride?

You’ll pass through trendy old town streets and see landmarks such as Porte de Paris, the Belfry of Lille, the Meert pastry area, the De Gaulle family house and museum, the old stock exchange on the Grand Place, and Rihour Palace.

What departure times are available?

Departures are available in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

Can I get a refund if my plans change?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.