- Lille
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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.
Once alighting from the Eurostar, it is simply essential that you take the time to appreciate and delve into the vast collections of buttons in the many nearby haberdashery shops.
With buttons adorning almost everything on this year’s catwalks, now is the time to purchase some yourself and liberate your creative side.
Pick out the buttons from jars as if they were full of penny sweets and try not to ask for a quarter.
They range from the size of a ladybird to the size of a saucer and one expects they come in those two styles also!
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.
Lille is a city of surprise. It has so much to offer. Tourists are treated with respect and welcoming friendliness.
The Carlton Hotel is a few minutes walk from Lille Europe station and your journey by Eurostar is just 1hr and 50mins.
With such a lot to do there, one must plan well in order not to miss out on the really astounding attractions - museums, tours, arrt galleries, extraordinary cathedral & churches, walking trips and the very busy centre with amazing shops.
You will not be disappointed - even after your tenth visit.
Check out this cracking, modern, new hotel, SuiteHotel (Accor Chain) that offers bargain weekend specials at £120 for 3 nights (Friday - Sunday).
In the middle of the Christmas Market in Lille amoungst the wooden huts selling mulled wine and crafts is a harmless looking Ferris wheel - make sure you don't miss having a go for a great birds eye view of the city especially at night and the chance to be scared witless.
The back of each car seemed so low I spent the entire time feeling like I was about to fall out!
Afterwards head for one of the cafes in the same square for a medicinal hot chocolate.
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.
The swimming pool museum in Roubaix is less than 30 minutes from Lille centre by tram (Roubaix) or metro (Euroteleport).
The marvellous Museum of Arts and Industry relocated to this renovated 1920's swimming pool in 2001.
There is a huge Art deco rising sun window dominating the scene and the paintings, sculptures, textiles and (glorious) ceramics, showing the creativity behind Roubaix's heyday, are imaginitively displayed around the pool, shower cubicles and surronding areas.
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.
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