The French city of Lille, situated in the north of France, close to the Belgian border, is fast becoming the new urban centre of choice for Eurostar-hopping holidaymakers.
Only one and a half hours from St Pancras International and 1 hour from Paris on Eurostar, it offers city lovers a dash of everything that’s best about metropolitan life.
France’s northernmost bits have much more to engage the visitor than many people realise. True, a tan is easier to come by along the Mediterranean, but when it comes to culture, cuisine, shopping and dramatic views of land and sea – not to mention good old-fashioned friendliness – the far north can compete with the best France can offer.
Lille (Rijsel in Flemish) may be France’s most underrated major city. In recent decades this once-grimy industrial metropolis, its economy based on declining technologies, has transformed itself – with generous government help – into a glittering and self–confident cultural and commercial hub.
Highlights for the visitor include an attractive old town with a strong Flemish accent, three renowned art museums, stylish shopping, some fine dining options and a cutting-edge, student-driven nightlife scene. The Lillois are just proud of their reputation for friendliness.
Braderie De Lille
On the first weekend in September, Lille’s entire city centre – 200km of footpaths! – is transformed into the Braderie de Lille, billed as the world’s largest flea market. The extravaganza – with stands selling antiques, local delicacies, handicrafts and more – dates from the Middle Ages, when Lillios servants were permitted to hawk their employers’ old garments for some extra cash.
The city’s biggest annual event, the Braderie runs from 3pm on Saturday to midnight on Sunday, when street sweepers emerge to tackle the mounds of mussel shells and old frites (French fries) left behind by the merrymakers. Before the festivities, you can make room for all those extra calories by joining in the half-marathon held at 9am on Saturday. A free map of the market, Braderie de Lille – Le Plan, is available from Lille’s tourist office.
