Pretty little city on the Eurostar that’s right on the border with France and Belgium
The charming French town is located less than two hours from London and is the perfect destination to enjoy a stress-free city break.
Situated at the intersection of France and neighbouring Belgium, Lille is a multicultural city that offers a plethora of attractions for visitors.
From its diverse museums and galleries to the natural splendour of the Hauts-de-France region, there's plenty to explore.
Originally a prosperous cloth-making town in Flanders, Lille was first annexed to France under Louis XIV's rule in 1667. However, it was reclaimed by the Dutch just over four decades later.
It wasn't until 1713, when the Treaty of Utrecht was signed, that this lesser-known Eurostar terminus officially became French.
Located less than two hours by train from London, Lille is an ideal destination for those seeking to enjoy delightful French weather and cuisine without the hustle and bustle of Paris.
As a modern and enchanting city, Lille continues to draw increasing numbers of new residents and tourists.
The city's historic centre, with its stunning cobbled streets that date back to the Middle Ages, bustles with fashion stores during the day and restaurants, pubs, and nightlife venues in the evening.
Renowned for its museums, Vauban architecture, unique gastronomy, and warm hospitality, Lille has all the ingredients to charm tourists and visitors seeking a change of scenery, even if just for a weekend.
Upon disembarking from the Eurostar, visitors can begin their tour of Lille with the Grand Place, home to some of the city's most impressive buildings.
The Vieille Bourse, the old stock exchange, stands in stark contrast to the Rang de Beauregard, a row of 14 two-bay private homes that beautifully blend the classical lines of French architecture with its Flemish counterpart.
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The square has long been a favourite gathering spot for Lillois of all ages, and its numerous restaurants and cafes are the top evening entertainment spots in the area.
Just a stone's throw from the Grand Place, Old Lille is the historic heart of the town and the most architecturally impressive part of the city - its cobbled streets flow effortlessly from one arcaded house to the next, their facades providing an ideal backdrop for photos and family videos.
Here, the modern and historic aspects of the city blend in perfect harmony, with some of Lille's finest restaurants ready to welcome guests between their exploration of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille cathedral and shopping sprees in the various boutiques scattered throughout the city centre.
Just a few minutes away lies the green heart of this charming northern France gem, the Bois de Boulogne, where families can let their children, both human and animal, roam free.
The Bois is essentially a wooded island in the middle of the urban centre surrounded by the river Deule, the 60-hectare park includes small woods, an asphalt promenade offering a stunning view of the citadel, as well as a zoo and an amusement park.
Gastronomy enthusiasts flock to Lille's "Latin Quarter" for the delectable gourmet market set up there every Wednesday and Saturday morning.
Spanning from the chic Boulevard de la Liberte right to the vibrant student rendezvous at Place Philippe-le-Bon, the Republique neighbourhood has gracefully transitioned from its upper-class origins to embrace a mix of bohemian life.
Joining hands with Saint-Sauveur, the erstwhile blue-collar region, the locality is witnessing a steady revival and rejuvenation; even the ancient train station has found new life as a buzzing concert and exhibition space.
With seamless Eurostar connections, Lille is just a swift one hour and 22-minute jaunt from London starting at £39, or a short hop by air via Paris, situated barely more than an hour from this northern gem.