I couldn't resist the temptation to write a review about Lille. This town is one of my favourites and for many reasons. As a visitor you do need to spend a good weekend there and if possible plan your weekend in advance depending on what you base your visit on.
I have been many times and every time has been wonderful. The history of Lille oouses out of the buildings and people. Every where you look are reminders of its past without ignoring its modern status of a metropolitan city.
Depending on which mode of transport you use, the city comes alive the moment you arrive. I have driven here from Calais, from Paris and from Belgium. I have used the Eurostar, TGV and the mainline trains from Amiens. The old main line station used to be the main station 'Gare du Nord' of Paris and was moved to Lille brick by brick when Napoleon was doing his thing. It has been revamped and has access to the underground (metro) and buses to any part of the town and suburbs. Lille Europe station is the 'new' intercity link for the Eurostar and TGV's. From Lille you can more or less go to any city in Europe. The motorways network is just as important (mind those radar traps!).
Depending on the type of your visit, there is, like most cities, so much to visit and see. Lille offers a wonderful shopping centre (mall) called EuraLille which is situated between the two railway stations and is very hard to miss. This huge complex was built in the late 1990's and brings a touch of modernism. It has most of the well known shops one would expect to find in France and also offers a supermarket. Other supermarkets can be found on the outskirts of the town so no need to fuss about parking if you want to stock up on wine.
From the station area, a brisk walk down 'Rue de Faidherbe' which offers a few shops and you get to the opera house, bourse (stock exchange) and old bourse. This area offers up market shops for those who have a few spare pennies. LePage being a renowned jewellers. The buildings in this area are magnificent. A good few minutes having a look around here justifies a visit. (I am a big fan of architecture).
The 'Grand place' with its' column is just round the corner with its cafes and shops such as 'Le Furet du Nord' (northern ferret) this in itself is worth a look in. Other shops in the area such as the boutiques and cafes along 'Rue Nationale' and a 'Rue Esquermosie' should not be neglected.
If you are interested in museums, Lille has a good selection including 'Palais de Beaux arts' and the Natural History Museum. These are both well worth a visit (check their websites for further information).
Another great attraction is La Citadelle, a typical French fort with its walks and parks. If you are interested in World War history this was used as a prison by the German army during the Great War. On a Sunday afternoon, classic car enthusiasts gather here to share their hobby. It is not unusual to see a Brit J. Whilst in the area on a Sunday there are small fresh produce markets worth wandering around (place gilleson) and at Wazemmes.
Other attractions are music concerts. These are often held at l'aeronef amongst other concert halls.
The locals I find are very friendly and talkative. The are very proud of their town and won't hesitate to help. The food, in the few restaurants I have been to was very good and if you look further away from the main tourist areas the restaurants are even more welcoming. If you do get a chance to visit, pop into the tourist office and pick up a wonderful little guide on this subject call 'Le guide des Terrasses' which is in French & English.
I have noticed that Lille is not as well looked after as it used to be with more and more graffiti, dog doo-doo and a few more tramps. Saying that it all adds to the charm of the place so don't be put off (Apart from the dog shi%. What is it about dog owners. I don't shi% on their door step?). Getting around is simple and bus fairs are relatively cheep.
The out skirts offer many attractions and Belgium is just a hop, skip and a jump away. I love this little town of Lille and have quite a few friends there.
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