Lille

Now well known to visitors from the UK thanks to the excellent and regular Eurostar connections to the city, Lille is well-established as a popular destination for a weekend break by train from London. First established as a port city on the river Deûle over a thousand years ago, Lille has a diverse cultural history. Through the ages, the city has seen the peaceful transfer from Flemish, to Burgundian, to Spanish and finally French rule through the strategic marriages of a succession of dynasties.

Lille was a major player in the textile industry during the industrial revolution, but fell into economic decline by the late-20th century. Now, major investment in tourism, plus the Eurostar connection, have contributed to a renovation which makes Lille an excellent destination for sights, cuisine and history. Lille boasts Michelin-starred restaurants, 5-star hotels and Méert, France's first ever patisserie, dating back to 1871.

The baroque architecture and Flemish influence add an interesting flair to this otherwise typical, post-industrial, French city. Lille is a compact city, where almost everything can be seen on foot, though it also offers a metro for destinations further afield. To experience the heart of this ancient, merchant culture, head straight to the Grand'Place. With its shops and cafes, it is the spiritual centre of the city. On the Grand'Place, you'll find the Vielle Bourse, with it's vaulted courtyard, where booksellers display antique texts and tango dancers entertain onlookers. A few brief steps off the Grand'Place, and you will find a number of monuments and historic buildings, from L'Opera to the beautiful Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses works by Goya, Van Dyck and Rubens.

Being a merchant town, shopping is a major focus of any visit, and the highlight of shopping in Lille is its outdoor markets. The Wazemmes Market is the most spectacular of them all. There is a little bit of everything at this lively market, featuring vintage clothing, bric-a-brac, specialty foods, flowers and music. Be sure to visit on Sundays, when the flea market is also going. The annual Braderie de Lille is also a must-see, when the city transforms into a giant car boot sale.