Flemish accent, three renowned art museums, stylish shopping, some fine dining options and a cutting-edge, student-driven nightlife scene.
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 justly proud of their reputation for friendliness.