Place de General de Gaulle - Grand Place with view of Teatre du Nord & Vieille Bourse
"The stronghold of the Dukes of Burgundy when they were more powerful than the French kings, Lille has always been a ‘crossroads’ town on the Franco-Belgian border. It leapt in prominence with the opening of the Channel Tunnel and, in 1994, the 186 mph Eurostar high-speed train. It is the point at which the route diverges to Paris or Brussels but is a superb city in its own right for a fast-access visit to traditional France (100 mins from London’s St Pancras terminal). The Eurostar station is a five minute walk from the old centre of Lille with its cobbled streets, elegant shops and excellent restaurants – the world famous L’Huîtrière is there, near the Cathedral. The Palais de Beaux Arts is second only to the Louvre, crammed with fine art from renaissance to the impressionists. The proximity makes Lille a wonderful week-end or even same-day dining out destination (there’s a splendid Christmas market). But if you can spare the time, try the amazing Art Deco public baths with in-shower ceramics by Picasso. Lille is France's fourth largest city and easily accessible thanks to its international rail terminal and Eurostar link to London. Flemish influenced architecture and food, an excellent transport system, and friendly people make Lille one of the most attractive city break options in Northern Europe. Here's my guide to the city with some special tips for couples, families and backpackers."
Read our Lille Travel Guide
Find holidays to Lille