France

Lille

Cultural capital

This is one of the great unknowns of France for most tourists. However, we guarantee that its charm will not leave you indifferent. Little by little, more and more travellers want to visit it. Everyone who goes there comes back in love with its magic.

The French town is steeped in history and this is reflected in its charming buildings and narrow streets. It also has great museums where you can lose yourself and soak up its art, culture and customs.

Its location means that connections to Belgium are excellent, allowing you to travel to surrounding areas and enjoy the beauty of neighbouring countries. In addition to this, its strategic position allows you to enjoy French gastronomy and also the best of Belgian food. Lille has also become one of the university cities par excellence and this means that leisure activities multiply. This will make your trip both fun and enriching.

Grand Place (Plaza Mayor) or Place Charles de Gaulle: a must-see on your trip to Lille. The date of its creation is unknown but there are indications that its origins date back to Medieval times. The main streets of the city flow into it and it is a place where fairs and markets are held throughout the year.

La Place du Théâtre): Lille's second most important square. Despite its name, there is no theatre on the square. In fact, the theatre was burnt down in a fire in 1903. Today, the Lille Opera House is located right in the centre of the square.

Rihour Palace: built in the 15th century in the Gothic style, the Palais Rihour is steeped in history and has undergone renovations following several fires. Today, the old guard room houses Lille's tourist office.

La Vieille Bourse: considered by many to be the most beautiful building in the city. Today, although it no longer serves as a stock exchange, it still has a great deal of charm. In its inner courtyard there are second-hand bookshops, flower shops and even a chess club that anyone can join to play. La Vieille Bourse is considered by many to be the most beautiful building in the city.

Lille Citadel: known as the green lung of Lille, located in the city centre. It houses a large number of gardens and natural spaces where you can enjoy various activities, perfect for children.

Beffroi de Lille: one of the most important buildings in France. The 104-metre-high bell tower towers over Lille's town hall. A perfect place to visit to enjoy the unforgettable views it offers.

San Mauricio church: a Gothic and neo-Gothic church of medieval origin located in the Rue de Paris. The church's construction spans more than four centuries of history and is one of the places you must visit on your trip.

Porte de Paris: this is one of the most historic buildings in the city of Lille. In the past, it was one of the entrance gates to Lille and fulfilled its defensive mission to ensure the security of the city.

Quartier Euralille: this district is in the centre of Lille and is France's third largest shopping district and a symbol of the city's economic transformation. It is also full of attractive spaces where you can enjoy a wide range of activities.

Lille's location allows for a huge gastronomic variety, combining the best of French culinary style with Belgian cuisine, resulting in irresistible dishes that you won't be able to resist on your visit to Lille.

Carbonade Flamande: one of Lille's most famous dishes from Belgian culture. For those who love stew, this dish is not to be missed on cold days. Veal and dark beer are the main ingredients of this delicious dish.

Potjefleesch: a name derived from Dutch meaning 'meat casserole'. This dish is made from jellied meats and usually accompanied by fried potatoes. An original Belgian dish that has become popular in parts of northern France.

Waterzooi Welsh: of Flemish origin, the Spanish translation of its name is "mezcla de pescados". This is a stew traditionally made with river fish but can also be prepared with chicken, vegetables and potatoes. A sweet treat steeped in history, since the traditional waffle dates back to the Middle Ages. The batter is made from flour, sugar and egg and the filling, although it can vary, is traditionally brown beet sugar.

Moules-Frites: the simplicity of this dish does not detract from its delicacy, steamed mussels garnished with fried potatoes. It couldn't be otherwise, since Lille is the biggest mussel market and Belgium is the paradise of chips.

Les Merveilleux: one of the city's most typical Lille sweets and essential to try during your visit to Lille. A cream-covered meringue that will make you want to eat more than a single bite.

Maroilles cheese: a cow's milk cheese typical of the northern regions of France, its maturing from four weeks to five months and the constant washing with salt and water makes the taste distinctive and delicious, mild for a strong cheese and strong for a mild one.

Official currency: Euro

Official language: French

Official time: the time in France is the same time as the mainland, therefore one hour ahead of the Canary Islands.

Documentation needed: European Union residents can enter France with their identity card or passport, provided it is valid.

Climate: oceanic, generally cool and humid, rainy and windy all year round, especially in autumn and winter.

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Lille

Cultural capital

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