Lille, the largest city in the French-Flanders region, known for it's charming streets, delicious foodie secene and student party atmostphere! If you've recently moved or condsering on moving to Lille, you may be wondering what there is to do there. We've got you covered! Here are the top 8 things to do in Lille!
1. La Grand Place
A must-see place! The Grand-Place is the main square of Lille surrounded by shops and restaurants: a great place to sit and relax in. The fountain in the middle of the square and the colored facades of buildings will become your new Facebook profile pic!
2. La Citadelle
Participating in outdoor sports is very important for a healthy lifestyle. Lille offers you a breathtaking view to exercise. For instance, there's a beautiful space at the Citadel park where you can play basketball, football or just take your dog for a walk. In this park, you will also have the opportunity to visit the zoo and enjoy yourself at the fair of which usually takes place at the end of summer.
3. Euralille
During your stay in Lille, you will probably need to go shopping: to buy memories or new clothes because of the weather! Euralille is the biggest mall in the city. In addition to clothes shops, you will also find restaurants and a cinema complex.
4. Le Palais des Beaux-Arts
There are also right places for those who love museums such as the Palais des Beaux-Arts (filled with art). You can find it in the "Place de la République" a lovely square with fountains. You'll also be able to participate in sports and other cultural activities here!
5. Le Vieux Lille
The Old City of Lille is famous because of its large number of beautiful little streets and its roads made of cobblestone. It's an excellent place to go for a walk with your partner. You will discover many small squares, yummy restaurants and bars, and the Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille. Le Vieux Lille is also the name of a strong cheese that you have to try!
6. Noël - Christmas
During the Christmas period, Lille is a wonderful, colorful city where a cute little Christmas market is waiting for you. With delicious mulled wine and Christmas decorations all around you. On the main square, you will find a big tree and an enormous Ferris wheel. However, before the festivities, make sure to take your hat and your gloves as it can get freezing.
7. La Braderie
Have you ever heard of "Braderie de Lille"? Well it's the biggest street market in Europe! Whatever you're searching for, I'm sure you will find it there! The entire city center is filled with large crowds as they search for the perfect old objects. It takes place each year on the first weekend of September. Don't be afraid if you see some mounts of mussel shells in the streets; it's a tradition to eat "Moules Frites" (mussels and fries) during the Braderie.
8. La Gastronomie
I'm not going to introduce you the famous traditional food from France (such as crêpe and baguette) instead I'll introduce you to the usual food from North of France! You may think ‘what’s the difference?!' There's a big one! There is a variety of meals such as Potjevleesch (meat in jelly) or Welsh (bread, cheese, beer, eggs, and ham). Your first mission is to try and pronounce the different dishes of the North. Good luck!
