When people say France, they think of Paris. On this trip we added Lille to our route to see a French city we had never visited. It did not disappoint, and it is absolutely worth seeing.
Where is Lille and what is it like?
Lille is in the north of France, close to the Belgian border, and it blends French and Flemish culture. Its history explains the mix: it was part of Flanders for a long time and joined France in the seventeenth century. High-speed rail lines linking Paris, Brussels and London meet here, which makes it a natural stop on northern European routes. Charles de Gaulle was born in the city.
What to see in Lille
- Grand Place: the historic square of the city.
- Lille Cathedral: a masterpiece of the Gothic style.
- Vieux-Lille (Old Town): the part of the city that reflects its soul.
- Palais des Beaux-Arts: described as the second-largest fine arts museum in Europe.
Starting on Grand Place, wandering through the Old Town and then reaching the cathedral and the museum makes a natural flow.
What to eat in Lille
Lille is a true gastronomy stop, known for its chocolates, waffles and cafés. Even for a short break, sitting in a café in the Old Town is a good way to understand the city.
Should you add Lille to your route?
In our view, yes, especially if you want to see a new city beyond the well-known stops in France. Its closeness to Belgium makes it a good stop on northern European routes. We carried Rider Healthcare socks for the city walking days; a Galata Healthcare tablet can be added to the bag; and Educated Moto Riders offers trips for those who like to explore with a group.
Read the full story in Turkish with photos and videos: Lille Gezi Rehberi.