Lille French city

Lille is a large French city close to the Belgium border. My first sight of the city was that of a large traffic jam from several motorways that run around and through the city. I would recommend a sat nav if you are making your first visit by car.

The photo above shows the high speed train station. Where the eurostar train from London via the channel tunnel arrives.

The trip takes about 1 hour 20 mins and costs from £60 to £100 return. My son who lives in London found it quicker overall than flying.

You only have a short check in time on the train and town centre to town centre.

Between the two main station is the Euralille a large modern shopping complex.

Or if you prefer old buildings and traffic free streets then head for Rue de la Grande Chaussée. The old street is full of quality shops , restaurants and cafe bars. You can eat out in a restaurant for around £10 The area has many old streets and museums and green areas with riverside walks and also a tramway if you get tired.

Try the Bois de Boulogne it is a large park with a free zoo near the citadelle fort. If you want to go to the markets visit our market page for details

The Zoo is very good it was free when we visited you can find it at Parc de Zoologique Avenue Mathias Delobel 59000. It is about a mile form the city centre. Every September the city holds the largest flea market in Europe.

Google street map

A short video of the old town centre