Photo: Jordan Pouille
The welcoming populace could teach Parisians a thing or two about creating a good impression, and they're fiercely proud of a city that boasts fine food and drink (the nightlife's one of the country's most vibrant), a characterful old town full of twisty, cobbled streets and high-end shopping, fascinating architecture and an integrated public transport system to rival the world's best.
To be sampled: the Sunday morning market at Wazemmes, the driverless metro system, the Musée des Beaux Arts, 2am moules frites at La Chicorée, the annual Braderie (when the city turns into a gigantic boot sale).
Considering Lille is at the hub of the Paris-Brussels-London Eurostar network, and good weekend deals are to be had, it's surprising Brits are largely unfamiliar with its attractions.
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