Colivings in Lille

Find out more about Lille

Is Lille a good place to live

Quality of life, conviviality, human warmth and a sense of sharing are often cited as major assets: the locals are welcoming and generous, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

The living environment is pleasant, with diverse neighbourhoods, green spaces such as the Parc de la Citadelle and the Jardin Vauban, and a human-scale atmosphere.

A dynamic cultural life: there is an exceptional cultural richness, such as the Braderie de Lille, along with festivals, museums and regular events (cinema, music, arts, photography, etc.) that bring the city to life all year round.

Its central position in Europe: with the Eurostar to London and the TGV to Paris or Brussels, it's easy to travel all over Europe.

And finally, a cost of living that is more affordable than in cities such as Paris, while still offering good amenities: property is far cheaper and gives access to very decent homes in good locations.

The must-sees of Lille

• Grand-Place (Place du Général-de-Gaulle) – The historic, lively heart of the city, surrounded by Flemish façades.

• Vieille Bourse – A superb 17th-century building, often brought to life by second-hand booksellers and chess players.

• Vieux-Lille – A cobbled neighbourhood of colourful houses, perfect for strolling and discovering boutiques and cafés.

• Palais des Beaux-Arts – One of the largest museums in France, with collections ranging from Antiquity to the 20th century.

• Parc de la Citadelle – A green space around a fortress built by Vauban.

• Musée La Piscine (Roubaix) – A former Art Deco swimming pool transformed into a museum of art and industry.

Property in Lille

Flats dominate and rental demand is strong: in Lille, around 79% of the housing stock consists of flats, compared with just 21% houses

A young tenant profile, mostly in small homes: Lille is characterised by a working and student population (36% of residents are aged 15 to 29). Studios account for around 18% of the stock, two-room flats 27% and three-room flats 22%.

Trend: demand is particularly strong for small homes (studios, two-room flats), often intended for single people or young professionals — hence the appeal of flatshares, which guarantee a large floor area and a furnished lease.

The advantages of flatsharing in Lille:

A tight rental market, so flatsharing is a more accessible solution.

• Lille is in a high-demand zone, with strong demand for housing and a stock dominated by small homes.

• In a flatshare, you share the bills and the rent — sometimes your bathroom — but it gives you access to larger, better-located homes than if you rented alone.

A rich social life in a friendly city

• Lille is renowned for the warmth and friendliness of its inhabitants.

• Flatsharing amplifies this: shared meals, outings together, day-to-day mutual support.

Close to universities and top schools

• Lille is home to many higher education institutions, and flatshares are often located in neighbourhoods well served by the metro and tram, making it easy to get to the campuses.

A good compromise between location and comfort

• In a flatshare, you can afford to live closer to the centre or in lively neighbourhoods, while still having a comfortable living space.

• Sharing a large flat or a house in a flatshare gives you spacious common rooms (living room, fitted kitchen, sometimes a garden or terrace).

A setting conducive to savings and flexibility

• Shared bills: electricity, heating, internet, household waste tax…

• The option of furnishing together or choosing an already-furnished flatshare (common in Lille).

Finding the right flatshare in Lille

Is Lille a good place to live?

Lille is a dynamic, friendly city, renowned for the warm welcome of its inhabitants and its rich cultural life. Its strategic position in Europe and its good public transport make it easy to travel to Paris, Brussels or London. The only downside: the often grey weather, but this is more than made up for by the city's lively atmosphere and accessibility.

Why should I move into a flatshare in Lille?

In Lille, flatsharing combines savings, conviviality and comfort in a market where finding a well-located home on your own can be difficult. It's particularly attractive for students, young professionals and anyone looking to settle quickly into a dynamic, cultural city.