Spooky Lille

During the Halloween season—or as it's known in France, the time of Toussaint (roughly the last week of October to the first week of November)—I used to lead visitors on a long, atmospheric walk through the Old City. We explored places once believed to be haunted, uncovering eerie local legends that still send a shiver down the spines of today's residents. These stories became even more chilling against the backdrop of early sunsets, heavy clouds, and the classic damp, dark October weather of northern France. The idea for this walk came from another Russian francophile living in the city who first shared the concept with me. I liked it so much that I borrowed the name directly from her: Spooky Lille. In the central streets of Lille, costume shops would buzz with activity in the days leading up to Halloween. Many visitors enjoyed getting into the spirit by adding spooky makeup or full costumes for the occasion. The very last Je Suis Lillois tour was actually a Spooky Lille walk, held by special request in September 2025. It was organised for a group of young women from the Netherlands who had come to Lille to celebrate their friend's bachelorette party.