http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16139
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16139 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16138
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16138 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16137
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16137 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16136
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16136 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16133
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16133 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16131
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16131 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16123
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16123 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16121
It also includes a predominantly French language duke box. Note also that the bar staff give very generous measures when ordering spirits!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16121 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16120 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16120 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16119
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!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16119 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16118
This is topped with slices of ham and gooey cheese. A great drinking-mans Croque Monsieur!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16118 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16117 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16117 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16116 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16116 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16115
This bibliophile's dream is a huge labyrinth consisting of eight floors and is the perfect place to escape from Lille's uncertain climate.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16115 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16114
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16114 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15076
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).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15076 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15060 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15060 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15058 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15058 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15053 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15053 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15052
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!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15052