Lille

Lille Travel Guide

• About Lille

If Paris is the sophisticated doyenne of France, then Lille is its edgy, fashionable younger sister. Flirting with the border of Belgium, Lille tantalises with its Flemish roots, excellent museums, great food and beer, and the world-renowned Grande Braderie (Europe’s biggest flea market and main hunting ground for vintage lovers), which takes place every year on the first weekend of September. The city, known as Ryssel in Flemish, is the capital of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, making it the hub of northern France. Its thriving cultural scene goes hand-in-hand with a young population which swells with students from ENSAIT, France’s top fashion university in nearby Roubaix. Once a cloth-producing industrial powerhouse, the textile industry crisis of the 1970s saw Lille come apart at the seams, but it shrugged off its troubles with Gallic flair, responding with typical innovation to turn the city’s fortunes around. Thanks to a vibrant regeneration, Lille has gone from strength to strength and it now has a reputation as one of France’s cultural hubs. Its pulsating creativity and industrial background has often drawn comparisons with Manchester, the UK’s industrial northern city of music scene renown, but now it’s taking on its own designs. The centre of Lille can roughly be divided into three main sections: Vieux Lille (the old town), Grand-Place (around the Place Général de Gaulle), and the République – Saint-Sauveur quarter. Beyond the centre, but still in the Lille metropolitan area and easily accessible on the metro network, are the towns of Villeneuve d’Ascq (where the LaM museum holds France’s greatest modern art collection outside Paris) and Roubaix, which is home to ENSAIT as well as the stunning La Piscine art museum (formerly an Art Deco swimming pool). After the Eurostar connection to London was opened in 1994, France’s coolest secret was out to the world, and that was before the war paint went on as Lille was made European Capital of Culture in 2004. Look out Paris, Lille is France’s new femme fatale.

• Lille History

It’s safe to say that Lille has had a stormy history, thanks in no small part to the 11 separate occasions on which it has been the subject of a siege. That it should have been attacked so frequently becomes all the more astonishing when you realise that it was only founded in 1030. Known in its early years as L’Isle, the city’s island location made it an ideal defensive position, something the Counts of Flanders soon noticed. Its new castle brought trade and Lille quickly expanded until it became the capital of Flanders. Its capital status was not to last, however, and when Lille became part of France in 1312, it was superseded by Paris. Nevertheless, the city continued to grow under the stewardship of the Dukes of Burgundy, most of whom revelled in the nickname, ‘the Bold’. So powerful were the Burgundian dukes that one, Philip the Good, who ruled the city in the 1440s, was considered even more powerful than the King of France. With the death of the last Burgundian duke, Charles the Bold, in 1477, Lille became part of the Holy Roman Empire and from there, passed into Spanish hands. But by 1667, Lille was once more part of France with its delighted conqueror, Louis XIV, lavishing money on the city. Several sieges, two revolutions and a rebellion later and much of the lustre had gone from the city, although a textile boom initiated under Napoleonic rule helped compensate. However, much of that hard work was destined to be undone by the invading Germans during WWI who first bombarded, then burned down, parts of the town. The city was also besieged by Hitler’s forces 20 years later and, for the duration of the war, it found itself ruled as part of Belgium by the Nazi regime. Like most European cities, it suffered a decline in manufacturing after the war but reinvented itself as a hub for the service industries, as well of tourism – both of which are still going strong today.

• Did you know?

Lille Cathedral, the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Treille, is named after a medieval statue of the Virgin Mary, which is associated with various miracles. The world’s first entirely driverless underground transit system was inaugurated in Lille in 1983. France’s most famous president, Charles de Gaulle, was born in Lille.

• Weather in Lille

Lille’s marine climate means warm summers (June to August) and cool winters (December to February), but a chance of rain throughout the year. Visit in summer for sunshine, temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and busier attractions. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are both pleasant – and even when it’s cold or rainy outside, the city’s numerous estaminets (a local take on bar/tavern) are always welcoming. Vintage lovers and bargain hunters should make their way to Lille for the first weekend of September as Europe’s largest flea market, Braderie de Lille, rolls into town.

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Things to see in Lille

Attractions

• The Belfry

As Lille’s only UNESCO-listed monument, the belfry of the Hôtel de Ville town hall stands proud at a height of 104m (341 ft) above the city streets. It was completed in 1931 and added to the World Heritage List in 2005. It’s said that when it was built, the belfry needed as many as 270 cement piles to support its weight, outstripping that of the Eiffel Tower. Today visitors need to climb the 100 steps and then step into the lift to reach the top, where a 360° panoramic view awaits. Book through the tourist office. Address: Place Augustin Laurent, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 5957 9400 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:30. Website: www.reservation.lilletourism.com Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: Yes

• LaM (Musée d’Art Moderne)

Set against a backdrop of vast green space and bordered by lakes, this key museum in Villeneuve d’Ascq is something of a breathtaking sight. It reopened in 2010 under its new LaM moniker with striking white walls to emphasise its re-birth. It now has more than 4,500 examples of work on display, including art from Picasso and Modigliani among others. The surrounding parkland is also home to sculptures by Jacques Lipchitz and Alexander Calder, to name but a few. Address: 1 Avenue du Musée, Villeneuve d’Ascq, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2019 6868 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00. Website: www.musee-lam.fr Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Vieux Lille (the old town)

If you only have time to do one thing when in Lille, make it the old town. Cobblestoned streets and old Flemish town houses (now home to exclusive boutiques) make for a pleasant stroll in a part of Lille barely changed in centuries. Meander along the winding backstreets and soak up the atmosphere and history of the city. Vieux Lille is particularly lively on Sundays, when the market takes place, but it’s just as rewarding to take a seat at a café and watch life go by. If you’re feeling more culturally inclined, the modern façade and gothic interiors of the nearby cathedral are fascinating to explore. Address: Vieux Lille, Lille. Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle

Lille’s most famous son, Général Charles de Gaulle, rose to fame as the leader of the Free French forces in exile in London during WWII. He became President of France in the 1950s, when he brought stability to a divided country, which was struggling to adjust to the post-war situation. The house where he was born in 1890 is now a museum and was in fact his grandparents’ house. Though not technically where he grew up, Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle still gives a good idea of what life was like for the young de Gaulle, with historic exhibits including his christening gown, as well as family photos and memorabilia. Address: 9 Rue Princesse, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 5973 0030 Opening times: Wed-Mon 10:00-18:00. Website: www.maison-natale-de-gaulle.org  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Palais des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum)

Widely acclaimed as France’s second best museum after Le Louvre, the Palais des Beaux Arts is housed in a Belle Époque palace in the République – Saint-Sauveur quarter. The impressive collection includes paintings by many a master such as Donatello, Raphael, Rubens, van Dyck, Rembrandt, El Greco, David and Toulouse-Lautrec. If you want to find out more about the displays, there’s a helpful iPod audio guide system available for visitors, which is included in the entry fee, though proof of identity is required before use. Address: Place de la République, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2006 7828 Opening times: Wed-Mon 10:00-18:00. Website: www.pba-lille.fr Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• The Citadel

Standing at the foot of this impressive behemoth gives some idea of how newcomers to the city must have felt after its construction in the 17th century. The famed military engineer Vauban was responsible for its creation at the request of King Louis XIV, and today the citadel continues to be occupied by the military. The result features Vauban’s signature starburst shaped tower, with five towers joined by ramparts, accessed by either the Porte Dauphine or the Porte Royale. Although occupied by the army, it’s still possible to visit by a guided tour from the tourist office. Take proof of identity for security purposes. Address: Avenue du 43ème Régiment d’Infanterie, Lille. Opening times: The Citadel can only be visited as part of a guided tour (in French only)   organised by Office de Tourisme de Lille. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Place Général de Gaulle (aka Grand-Place)

Lille’s main square is now an attractive pedestrian area overlooked by the Voix du Nord building (home of the North’s leading newspaper, once the journal of the French Resistance in WWII). La Vieille Bourse (the OldExchange), a centre where Flemish merchants traded their famous high-quality cloth, is on the left. Nowadays its vaulted courtyard ceilings overlook fondly-cherished stalls of secondhand books and vintage cinema posters. The Column commemorates the siege of Lille by the Austrians in 1792, and as a key part of Lille’s landscape it also serves as an unofficial meeting point for residents and visitors alike. Address: Place Général de Gaulle, Lille. Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• La Piscine Musée d’Art et d’Industrie

La Piscine Musée d’Art et d’Industrie is Roubaix’s calling card. A former art deco swimming pool, the museum was inaugurated in 2010. In lieu of watery depths, it now welcomes visitors to a stunning full-length gallery, which is flanked at either end by beautiful stained glass panels. Every 15 minutes you’ll hear pre-recorded splashes and crowd noise played over the sound system that recall the building’s origins. Exhibits consist of paintings (including one by Robert de Niro Sr), sculptures and applied arts by the likes of Picasso and Rodin, not forgetting the famous sculpture ‘La petite Châtelaine’ by Camille Claudel, Rodin’s mistress. Address: 23 Rue de l’Espèrance, Roubaix. Telephone: +33 3 2069 2360 Opening times: Tues-Sun 11:00-18:00. Website: www.roubaix-lapiscine.com Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse

This hospice, founded by the Countess of Flanders, Jeanne de Constantinople, in 1237, is one of the oldest buildings in Vieux Lille. As the focal point of a religious order set up to care for the sick, the building and its contents are a key element of the visit. The rooms here show how nuns would have carried out their day-to-day tasks, with information given for each area. It is also home to a collection of gold, silver and earthenware objects, tapestries of Guillaume Werniers, paintings by the Watteau brothers and several classic Flemish works. Address: 32 Rue de la Monnaie, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2836 8400 Opening times: Wed-Mon 10:00-18:00. Website: www.musenor.com Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Parc Zoologique de Lille (Lille Zoo)

Lille Zoo, in the Parc de Loisirs near the Citadel, houses close to 400 animals from around 70 species ranging from birds like owls and parrots to big mammals such as rhinos, zebras, alpacas and monkeys. Visitors will also find snakes, tortoises and tiny monkeys such as marmoset and tamarins in the tropical house. Lille Zoo is great for those on a budget and its location in the Parc de Loisirs means visitors can also include a trip to the playground, though make sure to take a picnic as food outlets are thin on the ground. Address: Avenue Mathias Delobel, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2852 0700 Opening times: Wed-Mon 10:00-18:00. Website: www.lille.fr Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Tourist Offices

Office de Tourisme de Lille Address: Palais Rihour, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 5957 9400 Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:30. Website: www.lilletourism.com  The knowledgeable staff at the Lille Tourist office can help organise guided visits, sort out city tours and help book rooms and tickets.

• Tourist passes

The ‘City Pass Lille Métropole’ gives free access to more than 30 sites in Lille and the metropolitan region, as well as free transport in the city.The pass is available for one, two or three days and can be purchased online : Website: www.lilletourism.com at the tourist office.

Things to do in Lille

• Dive in to art at the La Piscine Musée d’Art et d’Industrie

Away from the Flemish flourishes of Lille’s centre is a stand out art deco gem. La Piscine Musée d’Art et d’Industrie swimming pool re-purposed as delightful gallery. The poolside sculpture room is one of France’s most serene exhibition spaces. telephone: +33 3 2069 2360 website: www.roubaix-lapiscine.com is a former

• Find French fancies behind a fantastic Flemish facade

Unaltered for 250 years, visitors with a sweet tooth should seek out Méert for first-class French patisserie. The shop’s flamboyant façade, all golden cherubs and beautifully crafted cabinets, is as unmissable as its creative confectionery, which ranges from cakes to chocolates. telephone:+33 320 570 744 website: www.meert.fr

• Rock the boat with a gig on a barge

Embark on an intimate evening’s entertainment aboard La Peniche.  The converted barge boasts a sharp-eared booker when it comes to international musicians and local comedy talent, and is like no other venue in the city – especially in the summer months. telephone: +33 33 2057 1440 website: www.lapeniche-lille.com

• Rummage for a bargain at Europe’s biggest flea market

Held on the first weekend of September, Braderie de Lille is Europe’s largest flea market. Attracting bargain seekers from the world over, Lille’s centre bustles with bric-a-brac and antiques. If you can keep your money in your pocket, there are some steals come Sunday afternoon. website: www.braderie-de-lille.fr

• Size up one of France’s largest art galleries

The likes of Rubens, Raphaël and Goya hang on the walls of Palais des Beaux Arts making it a real destination gallery. France’s largest outside of Paris, the depth of its collection makes it one of the country’s finest museums. telephone: +33 3 2006 7800 website: www.pba-lille.fr

Lille tours and excursions

Lille tours

• Walking tours

The tourist office organises a daily guided walk in the Vieux Lille (Old Town). Or take a self-guided tour of the city with Allo Visit, which provides audio commentary direct to your mobile. There are seven stages of about three minutes, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MP3 downloadable audio tours are also available, free of charge. Telephone: +33 3 5957 9400 Website: www.zevisit.com 

• Bus tours

The tourist office also runs a 50-minute minibus tour of the city, taking in the Old Stock Exchange, the Opera, the Comtesse Hospice, the Charles de Gaulle Museum, the Petit Quinquin, the Paris Gate and the Citadel (the old part of central Lille). Telephone: +33 3 5957 9400 Website: www.lilletourism.com 

• Segway tours

On Saturday, the tourist office organises tours on segway, an original and ecological way to discover the city. The focus is on green spaces and monuments. Telephone: +33 3 5957 9400 Website: www.lilletourism.com 

Lille excursions

Roubaix Roubaix is the former heart of the French textiles industry. It used to be known as the ‘city of 1,000 chimneys’ andmany of the old factories still stand. Don’t miss La Piscine, 23 rue de l’Espérance, a delightful art museum located in the former art deco swimming pool: the museum includes collections of paintings, sculptures, drawings, textiles, fashion, design and ceramics. Shopaholics can visit L’Usine (The Factory) a massive bargain shopping mall selling well-known brands with discounts of up to 60%. Office du Tourisme de Roubaix Telephone: +33 3 2065 3190 Website: www.roubaixtourisme.com

Shopping in Lille

Thanks to the city’s textile history and its strong fashion student population, Lille offers some fantastic options for clothes shopping. There’s also plenty to explore in the form of markets, boutiques and independent stores, and its size means it’s easy to navigate whether you’re window shopping or laden with bags.

• Key areas

In the Old Town, narrow winding cobblestoned streets hide tiny boutiques in old Flemish houses around the Rue de la Monnaie. For classic designer names, head for the Rue de la Grande Chaussée in the centre of town, where you’ll find big names like Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Lacoste. Gourmet fare can be found at Philippe Olivier, 3 Rue du Cure St Etienne, one of France’s most famous cheese shops. A stop at Meert, on Rue Esquermoise, is compulsory: here you will find exquisite waffles and other delicious pastries.

• Markets

Several markets take place in Lille. The two most interesting are on Place du Concert, an excellent, bustling food market in Lille’s old town on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and the daily book market in the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange) courtyard. Try the Wazemmes market on a Sunday morning for appealing flea market finds.

• Shopping centres

Don’t miss Euralille, a huge modern shopping complex located between the Eurostar and Lille-Flandres train stations. It includes over 120 shops, several restaurants and a hypermarket over two levels.

• Opening hours

In keeping with most other French cities, Lille follows the old-fashioned opening hours of 09:00-18:00. Most shops are closed on Sundays.

• Souvenirs

Foodies will return from Lille with bags bulging. Try and pick up some of Meert’s thin waffles (sandwiched together with a classic vanilla filling), anything from the city’s renowned patisseries or spiced brown sugar speculoos biscuits (spiced, shortcrust biscuits). Local beers and cheese are also popular, as are good reads from the antique book market in the Vieille Bourse.

• Tax information

VAT is charged at 20% in France. If you are resident outside of the EU, you are eligible for a VAT refund from each shop, if you purchase goods for personal use totalling more than €175.01. All shops are required by law to provide this service, but not all are equally cooperative.

Restaurants in Lille

Food in Lille plays a big part of the city’s character and visitors can expect hearty fare based around Flemish dishes. Main courses include carbonade flamande (a beef stew cooked with beer), potjevleesch (potted white meat in jelly, served cold with hot chips and salad) and waterzoï (chicken or fish prepared in a creamy white wine sauce with celery, leeks and onions). Meanwhile, snack options range from flamiche (a leek tart, often made with pungent maroillles cheese) through to chicon au gratin (chicory and ham cooked in a béchamel sauce).Desserts feature any number of variations on the spéculoos (spiced gingerbread biscuit), in addition to Lille’s famous chocolate, while local beer is a mainstay on drinks menus. Most restaurants in Lille are closed on Sundays and Mondays, so call ahead to check. The Lille restaurants below have been hand-picked by our guide author and are grouped into three pricing categories: Cheap (up to €25) Moderate (€25 to €75) Expensive (over €75) These prices are for a three-course meal for one, including taxes and tip but not drinks.

Expensive

• La Laiterie

Cuisine: Gourmet Set just outside the city centre, next to the Citadel, this restaurant became the proud holder of a Michelin star under the guidance of chef Benoît Bernard.Although Bernard is no longer at the helm, the Michelin star still stands, and the outstanding gastronomic menu sees diners enjoy classic dishes including foie gras, veal and langoustines among other mouth-watering offerings. It is all served in a calm and inviting atmosphere. Address: 138 Avenue de l’Hippodrome, Lambersart, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2092 7973 Website: www.lalaiterie.fr 

• L’Huîtrière

Cuisine: Seafood One of Lille’s best-known and often-cited top dining establishments, this seafood restaurant is set in a stunning blue-hued art deco building, where diners behind the stained glass windows enjoy a creative take on Flemish recipes. Waiters in black tie deliver impeccable service, alongside the in-house sommelier on hand to help with the extensive wine list. If the caviar is not to your taste, try the famous oysters (huîtres) that gave the restaurant its name. Address: 3 Rue des Chats Bossus, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2055 4341 Website: www.huitriere.fr 

• Restaurant de l’Hermitage

Cuisine: Gourmet The Restaurant Gastronomique in the five-star L’Hermitage Gantois hotel is set in an historic 15th century building, under a red and gold vaulted ceiling.Enjoy dishes including a saddle of rabbit with boudin noir (black pudding), and delicate oysters pan-fried with cep mushrooms. For a romantic pre-dinner aperitif, take a seat at the hotel bar under the soaring heights of the inner atrium, where the glass ceiling allows visitors to gaze up at the stars. Address: 224 Rue de Paris, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2085 3030 Website: www.hotelhermitagegantois.com

Moderate

• Bloempot

Cuisine: French This newcomer to Lille’s restaurant scene is owned by Florent Ladeyn (finalist in Top Chef, France’s favourite televised cookery competition) and his friend Kevin Rolland. The name bloempot translates to ‘flowerpot’ and the dining experience is suitably rustic.Aside from the exposed brickwork in this industrial-looking building, there’s a back courtyard that only serves a set menu.With delicious traditional dishes re-imagined for the modern palate, this place gets rammed. Online booking is mandatory. Address: 22 Rue des Bouchers, Lille. Website: www.bloempot.fr

• Estaminet ’T Rijsel

Cuisine: French This rustic Flemish pub looks as if it hasn’t changed in centuries: the walls are lined with framed prints and vintage black and white photos, and the wooden tables are set out under dried hops hanging from the beams. It’s cosy and charming, but it’s the great atmosphere that keeps it so packed. For an authentic experience, try the house (roast chicken smothered in the local cheese). Address: 25 Rue de Gand, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2015 0159 Website: www.estaminetrijsel.com

• IL RISTORANTE

Cuisine: Italian Spacious Italian restaurant with delicious food and amazing Pizzas. Well priced and friendly staff as well as a lovely atmosphere. Good gluten free options. The menu is strong on meat and Italian specialties, It also has an inner courtyard and jazz bar. at lunch providing excellent value for money. Address: 51 Rue des Tanneurs, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2007 2112 Website: www.ilristorante.fr

Cheap

• Coffee Makers

Cuisine: Sandwiches, Cakes, Coffee Set up by a Dutch-Polish duo, this characterful café has a concise yet lovingly selected menu of sandwiches andhomemade cakes, as well as a coffee menu that reads more like a wine list. Beans are carefully sourced andground on-site and there’s a selection of coffee-making gadgetry available to buy if you want to try and re-createthe experience at home. The minimalist décor with strong graphics, and warm attentive service, make thisaddress a memorable one. Address: 151 Rue de Paris, Lille. Telephone: +33 6 3611 5606 Website: www.coffeemakers.fr

• Crêperie Beaurepaire

Cuisine: Crêpes One of several good crêperies in Lille, the Crêperie Beaurepaire has a fine selection of savoury and sweet galettesand crêpes, and serves up excellent Breton cider served in a traditional bolée (cup). This branch, at Rue Saint-ةtienne in Vieux Lille, has vaulted ceilings and a pleasant outdoor courtyard.  There is another at the Place deBéthune in the République – Saint Sauveur quarter which is more contemporary in décor than its sisterrestaurant, but equally as good. Address: 1 Rue Saint-ةtienne, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2054 6054 Website: www.creperiebeaurepaire.com

• Le Bistrot de St So

Cuisine: Bistrot Located in the Gare Saint-Sauveur cultural venue, this friendly bistrot in ‘Halle A’ of the former train station serves traditional dishes with fresh seasonal produce. The menu changes according to what’s available but recent favourites have included starter dishes of snails with goat’s cheese and mackerel rillette (similar to pâté), along with mains of duck cooked with figs and herb-crusted cod.  Try the café gourmand selection of mini desserts as a sweet finale. Address: 17 Bd Jean-Baptiste Lebas, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2032 0542 Website: www.le-bistrot-de-st-so.com

Lille Nightlife

Lille has an active nightlife, catering mainly for the thousands of students who live and study in the city. If you want to let your hair down, the area around Rue Masséna is home to bars and drinking opportunities galore, while the Rue Solférino at the end has similar venues. For more quirky spots, try the old town, where there are little bars and colourful cafés serving long into the night. Music lovers will appreciate the variety of live performance venues on offer, ranging from clubs through to family friendly spaces showcasing cultural events. Keep an eye out for listings in:

• La Voix du Nord newspaper

Website: www.lavoixdunord.fr/region/lille-et-ses-environs

•  Sortir

Should you be in attendance at the annual Braderie flea market event, held on the first weekend of September, you’ll see that night-time shopping is as popular as the daytime bartering. Editions Sortir Telephone: +33 3 2838 1885

Bars in Lille

• Joker Cocktails & Bar

Joker Cocktails & Bar is a warm and relaxed Cocktail Bar located in the heart of Old Lille. Since 2016, our goal has been to delight our customers with the best products available using only quality ingredients to achieve the most delicious and unique flavor profiles available. To do this, we change our cocktail menu once a week with house products (juices, syrups, purees, infusions, etc.). Address: 29 Pl. Louise de Bettignies, Lille. Telephone: +33 7 4970 0883 Website: www.jokercocktails.bar

• Les 3 Brasseurs

Les 3 Brasseurs is a big and bustling microbrewery opposite Lille Flandres train station. It serves a range of excellent beer, which locals and tourists mop up with cheap and cheerful pub grub. Chatter and clinking of glasses give this place a buzzing atmosphere, and if you enjoy what’s on offer, there’s also the option to buy bottles of beer in gift packs or in authentic style wooden crates to take home. Address: 22 Place de la Gare, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2006 4625 Website: www.les3brasseurs.com 

• Peek a Boo

With its retro décor and cool vintage style, this quirky bar-cum-café behind the Place Rihour is a great place to people watch. The drinks menu has a varied selection of cocktails and local beers (a ‘tasting board’ of three beers is available for the indecisive) as well as wines and spirits, while the food on offer features burgers and their infamous cheesecake. Peek a Boo also hosts regular live music performances, check the website for details. Address: 92 Rue de l’Hôpital Militaire, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2057 0515 Website: www.peekaboocafe.com 

Clubs in Lille

• Le Tripostal

Created in 2004, during Lille’s period as European City of Culture, this artistic and cultural hub in a former postal sorting office (hence the name) was never intended to be a permanent fixture. However, its location close to the Euralille shopping centre and its popularity with younger crowds has seen it remain open as venue for club nights, as well as art exhibitions and cultural events. Address: Avenue Willy Brandt, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2014 4760

• Café Oz The Australian Bar Lille

Café Oz Lille is one of the best-known bars among Lille students. Located in the heart of Old Lille, it is a place full of life, good humor and one of the most beautiful terraces in Lille. The interior space of the bar is atypical and warm: there is color everywhere, carved wooden furniture and above all, you feel immersed in a world of Australian inspiration. The star of the bar is the famous blue cocktail, whose real name is the Bondi Iceberg, a mixture of vodka, rum, gin and curaçao. Address: 33 Pl. Louise de Bettignies, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 5905 3406 Website: www.bar.cafe-oz.com

Live music in Lille

• Le Splendid

Located to the east of Lille city centre, in the city’s Fives district, this small-but-perfectly formed venue doesn’t look like much from the outside, but step through the doors and you’ll be greeted with what was once a 1950s cinema. It has now been fashioned into an intimate venue where the energy between audience and performer is second to none. There’s also a bar in the foyer for those in need of refreshment. Address: 1 Place du Mont-de-Terre, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2033 1734 Website: www.le-splendid.com

• L’Aéronef

Lille has long been a city of music and dance lovers. Rock musicians, jazz artists and emerging stars are all worshipped at L’Aéronef. Originally set up in 1989, L’Aéronef moved to its current location in the high-tech Euralille area in 1995, and now hosts more than 70 concerts a season. It also runs workshops and cultural events organised through its website. Address: 168 Avenue Willy Brandt, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2013 5000 Website: www.aeronef.fr

• Théâtre Sébastopol

This impressive historic building in the République – Saint-Sauveur quarter of the city still sees the stage decked out with red velvet curtains and seating to match. Don’t let the old-fashioned interior fool you though, as Théâtre Sébastopol is home to an eclectic mix of scheduled music performances almost every day, ranging from big name concerts and operas, through to more niche artistes. Address: Place Sébastopol, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2054 4450 Website: www.theatre-sebastopol.fr

Theatres in Lille

• Le Grand Bleu

Catering for both young children and teenagers, Le Grand Bleu is a drama centre that puts a particular emphasis on new styles like hip hop and theatrical contemporary dance performances. Its eclectic programme also includes storytelling and puppetry. The centre, which has national theatre status, can accommodate up to 320 people in the canal-side building by the Citadel of Lille. Address: 36 Avenue Marx Dormoy, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2009 8844 Website: www.legrandbleu.com 

Culture in Lille

• Gare Saint-Sauveur

This former train station has been converted into a multi-faceted cultural arts centre, with an exhibition space, outdoor area and a handy eating quarter in the form of Le Bistrot de St So. There’s a stage set out in the main hall (Halle A) with a cinema screen behind, while the adjoining hall (Halle B) is the mainstay for major cultural events. An alternative bohemian atmosphere prevails here, with a laidback and friendly vibe. Address: 17 Boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2052 1039 Website: www.lille.fr

• Opéra de Lille

The Opéra de Lille offers a varied lyric programme, ranging from the baroque period to the creations of contemporary composers, as well as major masterpieces. Modern dance plays a leading role here too: the programming explores today’s major aesthetic directions, put into perspective with the presentation of founding works. Outside, the neo-classical exterior of the building offers an impressive welcome, and once inside visitors will find that the plush red velvet seats and soaring domed ceiling overhead live up to its promise. Address: Pl. du Théâtre, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 6221 2121 Website: www.opera-lille.fr

• Théâtre du Nord

The Théâtre du Nord operates under the directorship of Christophe Rauck, and comprises two performance spaces: one in Lille and another in nearby Tourcoing. Lille’s offering takes the form of an impressive listed building, originally constructed at the beginning of the 18th century. Its striking façade now welcomes visitors into the drama centre where scheduled performances range from the classic to the modern. Address: 4 Place du Général de Gaulle, Lille. Telephone: +33 3 2014 2424 Website: www.theatredunord.fr 

Lille Food And Drink

For many centuries Lille was part of the historical region of Flanders as its capital city. Hence, this city in Northern France has a unique culinary tradition, predominantly Flemish, and once in Lille, you will find many similarities between Belgian and Dutch foods. From delicious sweets to spicy meat stews, trying the food in Lille will surely be one of the most exciting things to do in the city.

You will be surprised by the interesting flavors of Lille cuisine, and if you love some good old fries, you will be overjoyed to discover that many of the dishes are served with those! Check out the local food in Lille that you need to try during your stay. For sure, these Lille dishes and cakes are not light, but rest assured, there are no overweight locals in Lille.

What to eat in Lille?

Check out this Lille food guide, with the best food in Lille, France – famous Lille dishes, cheeses, and desserts. The descriptions will help you decide if you want to try these Lille food specialties or not!

• Moules-Frites

This popular dish is a must-try food in Lille. Moules-frites consist of mussels with French fries, and they originated in Belgium hundreds of years ago. Moules-frites is actually Belgium’s national dish and is a prime example of Flemish culinary influence in Lille.

The most common way to prepare this dish is with the mussels cooked in white wine, shallots, butter, and parsley. The mussels are served alongside a hipping side of Belgian-style French fries.  There are tons of variants of this main dish, and you will find moules-frites on the menu of every restaurant in Lille.

• Maroilles

Maroilles is a cheese typical of the area. It is made from cow’s milk and has a soft and oily consistency. Maroilles’s smell and taste are very strong, and when fully matured, it develops an intense aroma with a flavor that resembles the one of smoked bacon, with a peculiar reddish-orange rind.

If you are not a fan of strong scents, you won’t like the “old stinker” – as this cheese is nicknamed. In Lille, Maroilles cheese is also used to make the Tarte au Maroilles, a quiche-like dish filled with Maroilles cheese, créme fraiche, butter, and eggs. The Tarte au Maroilles is served warm and paired with French fries.

• Le Welsh

This Lille food is a staple of Northern French cuisine. It is made by boiling beer in a pot to which it is added cheese, and the mix is poured over a slice of toasted bread with ham.

The dish is then cooked until golden and finished with a fried egg on top. Le Welsh is served with French fries and enjoyed as a main dish. There are many variants of this dish, and what changes is how the sauce is made. You can find it made with ale, Worcestershire sauce, or even béchamel instead of beer.

• Carbonade Flamande

This delicious stew is an unmissable food in Lille to try. You will find it in every restaurant in the city. La Carbonade Flamande consists of beef slow-cooked alongside lard, onion, herbs, and a sauce made with sugar, beer, mustard, and vinegar. Once ready, the stew is served with homemade bread.

The mix of so many ingredients means that the flavor of Carbonade Flamande changes significantly from restaurant to restaurant, as it largely depends on the products selected. So why don’t you taste this delightful dish in as many eateries as possible to find the version you like the most?

• Potjevleesch

Also called Le Potch, this Flemish specialty’s name means “pot of meat,” and it gives you an idea of its main ingredient. Potjevleesch is made from cuts of various meats that are marinated in beer or white wine with candied spices.

The meat used includes anything from pork to beef to rabbit to chicken. Once the meat is ready, it is left to cool down and then served in a terrine with vinegar gelatin. You will enjoy this dish alongside slaw and French fries.

• Fricadelle

This food of Lille can be tasted both as a main dish and a street-food snack. It is made from pork and veal sausage cooked and served with the ever-present fries. The meat is mixed with bread and nutmeg to give the sausage a great texture and flavor.

You will find Fricadelle served in many restaurants around Lille. The most traditional way to enjoy Fricadelle is accompanied by the classic Bicky sauce, a spicy ketchup. However, you can have it with any sauce of your choice and eat the sausage inside a piece of baguette, as a kebab, or plain and just with the fries on the side.

•  WaterzooÏ

The word WaterzooÏ means “the water that boils” in Dutch, and it might give you a hint about what this dish is about. This Flemish stew was traditionally made with freshwater fish, mainly burbot.

Today sea fish such as bass, cod, and halibut are primarily used. Another popular variant of this dish is with chicken instead of fish. The soup base of the WaterzooÏ is made with various veggies, fresh herbs, egg yolk, cream, and thickened vegetable broth, to which is added the fish or chicken.WaterzooÏ is the most iconic dish in the area and one of the must-try Lille recipes.

•  Le Merveilleux

There are many sweet ways to end a meal in Lille, and one of these is by having a Merveilleux. This small cake consists of two light meringues joined by a nice layer of whipped cream, topped with a bed of chocolate shavings.

Often, the cake is decorated with a candied cherry on top. Le Merveilleux is a very popular dessert in Lille, and it has many different versions: you can find it with speculoos cream or buttercream instead of whipped cream or with white chocolate replacing the dark chocolate shavings. Whatever version you try, it will be delicious!

• Gauffre Fourré

Gauffre Fourré is an oval-shaped soft waffle made with flour, sugar, salt, yeast, margarine, and eggs. The waffle is split in two and traditionally filled with “vergeoise”, a brown sugar paste. You can also find Gauffre Fourré with a filling of vanilla cream, fresh fruits, or with vergeoise and rum.

Gauffre Fourré has been around since the 19th century and was the favorite of Charles de Gaulle. The best place to eat Gauffre Fourrés is at Meert (27 Rue Esquermoise), Lille’s most iconic pâtisserie founded in 1677.

The Gauffres from Meert are filled with a Madagascar vanilla pastry which makes them especially delicious! During his summers in Lille, when he was a child, Charles de Gaulle used to go to Meert every day to buy his favorite Gauffres Fourrés.

What to drink in Lille?

Its Flemish heritage is strongly tied to a thriving culture: that of beer. Unsurprisingly, the most popular drink is not wine but is the craft beer. The food culture in Lille is rich and varied, although most commonly known for its waffles, waterzooi, and finally mussels with fries, as many other regions of France.

•  Le Dandy Cocktail Bar, Pub Grub

Le Dandy has all of the classic elements of an old-school bar, with touches of modern day hipster chic. The multiple floors feature decor such as crates as tables, empty frames hung on the wall, oversized leather couches, barrels, and more. The cocktails are beautifully presented and come in a variety of unique flavors; two popular ones are the cookie dough cocktail and the straciatella cocktail. Try the bloody Mary, mojito, margarita, and passion fruit breeze. Compliment your drink with a few cured meats, cheeses, nuts, breads, and olives from the appetizer plates. Le Dandy is one of the most popular bars in all of Lille.

• Bartown Bar, Pub Grub

Bartown is a modern cocktail lounge with a hip, sophisticated atmosphere. The decor is chic and eclectic, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Grab a group of friends and enjoy one of their large signature cocktails; they come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. The service at Bartown is fantastic, but the popular watering hole gets busy very quickly, so your drinks may take a while to stir up. While you’re waiting, snack on the charcuterie plate, cheese plate, or one that’s a mix of both. Sit back, enjoy your sweet drink, listen to the music, and chat with your friends at Bartown.

• Le Windsor

Located in the city center of Lille, Le Windsor is a favorite haunt of locals in the area. The contemporary interior is chic and modern, with black leather chairs and sofas, bright red tables, intimate lighting, and rich, green plants. It’s quite comfortable, however if you prefer to enjoy the sun, there is a terrace in front of the entrance. The accommodating staff will seat you wherever you like, and will then present you with choices of artisan cocktails, draft bears, sodas, and snacks. The drinks come in a variety of sizes, and some are even served in square glasses and every drink is topped with a skewer of fresh fruit and marshmallows! Being in such a bustling area, the lounge fills up quickly, so get there early to guarantee you get a seat.

Close to the border with Belgium and just an hour by TGV from Paris, Lille is a thriving university town with myriad cultural attractions and a lively evening scene. As the third-largest river port in France, the city grew as a trading centre for French Flanders, and has a fascinating identity, including unique cuisine and architecture. Accommodation options, generally clustered around charming Vieux Lille, are chic and characterful. Chosen for their location, style and amenities, our pick of the best places to stay in Lille promises something for everyone. Begin your explorations in Vieux Lille, where you can expect pedestrianised cobbled streets studded with 17th-century brick townhouses. Admire the heritage buildings lining Grand Place, visit the elegant colonnaded Old Stock Exchange to pick up vinyl and books, or pop into the tourist office in the 15th-century Palais Rihour. Marvel at sprawling city views from atop the Hôtel de Ville’s belfry, before stepping in to Notre Dame de la Treille. Museum-goers will adore the impressive collections on display at the Palais des Beaux Arts and La Piscine Musée d’Art et d’Industrie. The old town is bursting with galleries, boutiques, outdoor markets, cafés and eateries, too. As day gives way to evening, join Lille’s residents at the bars of Rue Royale and Rue Doudin, before catching a gig at Le Splendid or sipping microbrewery Célestin’s craft beers at La Capsule. A fabulous destination for a city break, Lille offers a seemingly endless array of events and attractions. Check out the latest festivals and exhibitions through Lille3000 or speak to the teams at the best places to stay in Lille for their recommendations.