- Lille
- /
- Eurostar
- (50)
-
France
In old Lille there is a fabulous seafood restaurant called Le Coquille.
It is situated just a few steps from the Grand Place in a lovely 18th century house featuring antique furniture, exposed beams and bricks.
Fresh seasonal ingredients from the local markets and bread baked on the premises ensure a delightful lunch or dinner.
It offers good value for money especially the set menus that include a glass of wine with each course for approx 34 euros.
The only way to enjoy Lille is with the animals. Take a visit to Le Chat Bleu (The Blue Cat) - off the main square - one of the most devine chocolate shops in Europe.
Chat with the friendly owner, buy a huge bag of chocolates and eat them on the way to the Zoo.
The Zoo is one of the most enertaining, relaxed places in Lille with some wonderful animals.
There are two things not to be missed in Lille.
The first is the Palais des Beaux Arts. On my first day trip to Lille I stayed there so long that, when looking for a restaurant for lunch, it was too late, "Désolé, Monsieur..." the kitchens were all closed. I had to grab a snack in a "quick".
But this was more than made up for by discovering the magnificent Pâtisserie Méert in the rue Esquermoise. In a magnificent fin-de-siècle tea room you can taste the most sublime cakes I have ever had the good fortune to find.
Though it may lack fine churches, Lille has a magnificent collection of 17th century buildings, incredible shopping and is an easy city to walk about. An under-rated gem.
Lille’s famous Grande Braderie takes place on the first weekend in September every year, but the impression can often be spoilt by the overwhelming crowds.
For the best atmosphere, go to the Wazemmes Market at the end of Rue Gambetta which offers customary but worthwhile antiques.
You won’t fail to notice mussel shells piling up outside of restaurants and stalls: the highest – and smelliest – mountain gets the official winning title.
You won’t have any trouble finding your compulsory mussels and chips meal, but avoid well-known “Aux Moules” in rue de Béthune and the neighbouring restaurants – they are usually overpriced and quite bland.
Stay at the Hotel Hermitage Gantois. It is a superb and tranquil hotel, that dates back to the 15th Century, when it functioned as a hospice and convent.
The chapel, courtyards and other historical features, including an original ward remain, although now used as meeting rooms, with 21st century facilities.
The hotel can be visited every Tuesday afternoon, when a well infomed local guide conducts a fascinating 2 hour tour of the interior.
Don't miss the wood and park land called 'The Bois de Boulogne' in the north of Lille, easily accessible from the city centre.
It houses a spacious zoo whose aim is to breed endangered species; not to trap animals from the wild.
The playful red foxes will make you laugh and as a bonus, entrance is free.
The park has a great family atmosphere, none more so than on the last Sunday in May when every woman visiting the park is presented with a carnation to celebrate Mothers Day in France.
In the Place du Theatre, find the cafe with mannequins and potties in the front window, but don't be put off from entering.
Inside the atmosphere is so continental, relaxed and friendly. If you like desserts then you've found paradise.
The dessert chef is so proud of his handiwork he'll even come and talk to you about his creations.
Bar 10 is a stone's throw from the Palais Luxembourg. It is a lively hangout with an eccentric owner, and is popular with students.
It also includes a predominantly French language duke box. Note also that the bar staff give very generous measures when ordering spirits!
The best Spanish food in Northern France is to be found La Boqueria 8 place Schumann in the town centre of Lille.
Tucked away in the heart of the city centre, La Pirogue brings a colourful African vibe to the cobbled streets of Lille.
Admire the eye-catching wall murals while you choose from the bar’s range of powerful cocktails, some with intriguing 'secret ingredients' (I can recommend the mojito - in moderation!)!
Soak up the friendly atmosphere, and for one night at least you can leave northern France behind and be transported to a faraway land!
When in Lille try a 'Welsh' for brunch. You have a piece of bread dipped in ale and then toasted.
This is topped with slices of ham and gooey cheese. A great drinking-mans Croque Monsieur!
Visit the most beautiful fishmonger's shop - A L'Huitriere - and find a super Michelin-starred restaurant in the back of the shop.
Stay at a two bedroom apartment at Citadines Lille for fantastic location, brilliant spacious accommodation with superb facilities at an absolutely bargain price.
Any visit to Lille must include some time exploring Furet du Nord, the largest bookstore in France.
This bibliophile's dream is a huge labyrinth consisting of eight floors and is the perfect place to escape from Lille's uncertain climate.
Stay at L'Hermitage Gantois for that special weekend.
Four star luxury with food to match, but you can sleep in a nun's cell with a chapel across the corridor and a gruesome medical museum on the ground floor.
Walkable from the station and totally unlike any other four star hotel you can reach by Eurostar.
Don't rule out evening Eurostar trains to Lille or Paris. Tickets are often cheaper and, despite the clocks being an hour ahead, your break can still start that night, as there's plenty of accommodation near the Eurostar terminals and good restaurants that stay open late.
For example, microbrewery Les Trois Brasseurs (22 Place de la Gare, Lille) has cheap-and-cheerful local dishes, while you might also try the art deco Brasserie Terminus Nord (23 Rue de Dunkerque, Paris).
Café Oz for a brilliant and trendy anglophone bar. Great cocktails, fantastic music, and always packed!
community.iexplore.com/planning/journalEntryActivity.asp?journalID=31247&entryID=35784&n=Cafe+Oz
A weekend trip should be timed for when the Ligue 1 football team are in action. The passion of the crowd more than rivals anything you'll experience at a British football match.
Visit the Jardins des Plantes for a quiet getaway from the hustle of the city. The rose fountain terraces are perfect for a relaxing picnic. The nearest metro is Port d'Arras - careful when you cross the road, though!
Rue du Jardin des Plantes, 59000 Lille
Tel : 03 20 52 06 83
This is a tip for shopaholics. If you want some retail therapy, jump on a Eurostar train to Lille for the day, preferably with a girlfriend. Take an empty wheelie case, and go early.
The Eurostar terminal exit brings you out next to the Euralille Centre, but leave this for later and head for the main town, an easy five-minute walk.
If you have children in the family, the Rue de Paris has about seven wonderful children's shops. The streets of Vieux Lille offer an enticing variety of shops. There is a Printemps department store, and this autumn a new Galeries Lafayette store will open.
Grab a quick lunch, perhaps at Paul on Rue de Paris or Le Pain Quotidien, 33 Place Rihour. A delicious tea can be had at Meert, which you'll find at 27 rue Esquermoise.
Finally, whisk through Euralille, not forgetting the mammoth Carrefour hypermarket with food on the lower floor and household goods and clothes upstairs. Then it's back on the train to reflect that a day trip is really not long enough!
Is this your business?Search Been there
