Suitehotel Lille Aeroport, Lesquin

Advantages: Near London by train, cosmopolitan feel, excellent transport connections, eating out, plenty to see
Disadvantages: Dog poo

...I’ve now been to Lille three times in the past year or so, each previous time, merely for the day. Only over the last weekend did we stay overnight. Why Lille? Well, rather like the reason dogs lick their naughty bits, it’s because we can. Lille is the first main stop in France on the Eurostar/TGV route from the Channel Tunnel – yes, I know you could get a train that stops at Calais (Fréthun), but that’s like getting out at Bristol Parkway and expecting to be in Bristol! Gare Lille-Europe arrives outside your train window 1 hour and 40 minutes after London Waterloo International disappears. Stage 1 of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL), means that we now get to hurtle through Kent at 186 M.P.H. before slowing to a mere 100 M.P.H. to shrug off the 32 miles of tunnel in a mere 20 minutes. Doing 'a ton' MORE than even the over... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Beautiful
Disadvantages: None

...Having visited Lille on a number of occasions I have been astounded by the beauty of the city itself. The main square is of interest as the ageing buildings tell a story of the city's past. The museums cover a number of aspects, not only from Lille's history but also other important factors such as the Museum of Religious Art and the Natural History museum. Lille not only provides such wonder but a superb array of shops, cafés and restaurants making it an enjoyable visit. Lille also has many parks such as the 'Le Bois de Boulogne' which is at close proximity to the city centre. The park combines leisure activities as well as a zoological park. The large train station makes this city more accessible where parking may not always be easy. I would recommend Lille to anyone who enjoys historical beauty as well as a good time.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Varied culture, fab cuisine, nice people
Disadvantages: Some shops closed Sun and Mon

...I lived in Lille for 1 year. I went there as part of my degree. And I must say that I fell in love with the city after just one day. I lived in the Old part of Lille (Vieux Lille) which is about 2 mins walk from the town centre. It has so much charm! the cobbled streets boast a large variety of boutiques, some of which are privately owned and some of which are widely known brand names such as Hermes, and Louis Vuitton. these can be found in rue de la Grande Chaussée, and rue Chats Bossus. For some bigger shops you can head off to EuroLille (a very large shopping centre in between the 2 main train stations) it consists of mainly chain stores, and has a huge supermarket called Carrefour. Carrefour has a brilliant seafood section filled with fresh produce, there's also a fantastic 'ready to eat' area where you can usually sample... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful