What not to miss in Lille, the French city also known as Lille or the isle, the word from which its French name derives.
The charm and melancholy of a borderland. You feel them immediately when you set foot in Lille. The large, vaguely dispersive tree-lined avenues, the cold northern sea that bathes the French coasts a few kilometers away and which probably also smooths the soul of the citizens. The ancient shops that make you think of nineteenth-century French novels. This was the first impression I got of Lille.
Also called Lilac, but I prefer to call it by its original name, which derives from the French word "the isle”, Or the island.
Looking deeper, that initial feeling of melancholy fades away, giving way to an irresistible charm, which can be seen in every corner of the big city. Lille is one of the most important cities in France. If you have a plane ticket in hand, little time to discover it and want to travel low cost, it will be useful to know what are the 5 things not to miss in Lille.
Vieux Lille
All cities have a soul. If you want to experience first-hand what must have been the city atmosphere in ancient times, treat yourself to a walk through the streets of Vieux Lille, or the “old Lille”.
You will be enchanted by the particularity of the Flemish style houses, from the story told by the ancients shops and art galleries and from the infinite city views that emanate a timeless beauty.
If you are in Lille during the first weekend of September there is a surprise for you. There Braderie of Lille, or rather its fair, takes place precisely that weekend. Lille on that occasion is transformed into an immense pedestrian area, giving life to the Europe's largest flea market.
Let yourself be carried away by the cheerful and lively environment, with a thousand shades and heady scents. A must on this occasion are the mussels and chips, a traditional dish of the fair.
Grand Place
The "square of Lille" par excellence, the center of city life. Here dominates the Columns de la deessè, built to protect the city, of which it also represents the symbol. Today the square is called "Place du general Charles de Gaulle", to celebrate the memory of its famous citizen.
In the Grand Place stands the Vieille Scholarships of Lille, a historic building of great beauty, where the city's stock exchange was once located.
Museo de l'Hospice Comtesse
This very popular museum was originally born as a hospital and then was an orphanage. But don't be fooled by its sad history: the construction is truly spectacular. Already from the outside you will notice the beautiful red facade in Flemish style, while inside the attention goes to the magical garden.
The museum houses a large collection of works of art and is located at 32 Rue de la Monnaie.
Citadel Park
Without straying too far from the center, you can walk to the relaxing Citadel Park. You know, when you visit a city you walk a lot and a small stop in this park, which stands where the defensive walls of the city were, is certainly a good idea to catch your breath.
This is the most famous and popular park in Lille, where the locals go for a walk, run or other outdoor sports. Walking through the green park will make you feel a little more "local".
Bell tower of the town hall
If you want to have a view of Lille from its highest point, namely from 105 meters high, the only solution is to go up the bell tower of the town hall, UNESCO World Heritage and highest point of the city.
Certainly this is one of the 5 things not to miss in Lille. Vertigo aside, you will be struck by the view of the city that stretches majestically before your eyes.
How to get to Lille
Lille is a very well connected city.
You can reach it by train, by visiting the website of the French railways or by plane, searching among the different offers of low cost flights. If you have more days available and you like to travel “on the road”, you can also reach Lille by car, crossing all of France from south to north.
All that remains is to wish you a good trip!
