Lille FRANCE

With its quality of lifestyle, economic dynamism, cultural vitality and festive energy, increasing numbers of tourists are coming to discover Lille and keep on contributing to the reputation of the city.

Listed as a city of "Art et Histoire" since 2004, Lille offers a large number of buildings and monuments, both secular and religious, which remain as signs of its illustrious past. You might simply walk and wander around the city, see the Citadelle park and fortress designed by Vauban, a beautiful example of 17th century military architecture, the Vieille Bourse, a reminder of the Spanish occupation of the region as well as the marriage of the French and Flemish cultures; the Grand Place, focal point of life in Lille; the Porte de Paris; and also the rue de la Monnaie where coins were minted so many years ago…

Lille is also a city where you will enjoy shopping, from the main commercial streets to the little boutiques of the Vieux Lille, you will definitely find your pleasure. Every first weekend in September, the visitors come to enjoy the Braderie: a 48 hour festival of brocanteurs. Don’t miss this great annual event !

All the conviviality of the people of Lille can be found in their regional food. Tasty and hearty, the regional food is a mix between the Flemish traditions and a touch of the French “art of living”. During your stay, you will taste the many culinary specialities; such as Carbonnade flamande (small chunks of beef stewed in beer), waterzoï (poultry or fish in a creamy sauce, served with baby vegetables) and potjevleesch (literally “small potted meat”, a white meat terrine in jelly). A traditional, locally brewed beer will of course go perfectly with those meals.