For a vacation in France, with a Flemish flavor there is no better city than Lille.
by Seymour-James
Named European Capital of Culture in 2004, this northern town today attracts tourists who come for
its Flemish ambience, its excellent museums, great food and beer, and of course the world
renowned Grande Braderie (Europe's biggest flea market). Today Lille is the most important city in
northern France, and the fourth biggest overall in the country. It has a very young population
(including many students), and a vibrant cultural scene.
Lille has a small airport, called 'Lille-Lesquin'. International connections include flights from Munich in
Germany, and other European cities. Most international travelers will however want to book a flight
to Paris and then continue to Lille by the TVG train which takes one hour. By car, use the A1 from
Paris.
Lille's most famous son is Charles de Gaulle, whose Maison Natale - the very house where he was
born - is a museum to the great man while the main square in the town centre proudly carries his
name. Place du General de Gaulleis the hub of this city, bordered by the impressive facades of the
Art Deco 'Voix du Nord' newspaper offices and the 17th century Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange).
To the east lie the imposing Nouvelle Bourse (New Exchange) and the Opera, both built at the start
of the 20th century. Colorful Flemish architecture is everywhere with its narrow ornamented facades
(of which the Vieille Bourse is a prime example). You can also see French classical style houses,
grand boulevards and even the 'Maison Folie' - a former textile factory now re-born as a cultural and
community centre.
If food is your passion, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat, as well as
being the capital of French Flanders, Lille is the gastronomic capital of northern France. Many
traditional dishes have clear Flemish influences, such as carbonnade flamande (beef stewed in
beer), coq a la biere, waterzooi (a creamy fish stew flavoured with white wine and herbs),
andouillettes (pork sausages), hochepot (hotpot), veau flamande (veal braised with dried fruits)
and tarte aux maroilles (cheese tart). There are eateries to suit all occasions and tastes, from
traditional brasseries (estaminets) to Michelin-starred restaurants such as the superb, Art
Deco-style A L'Huitriere, which specialises in fish and seafood.
For shopping, meander the narrow streets of Vieux Lille, popping into one-off boutiques.
International brands dot la rue de la Grande Chaussee and Place du Lion. High-street brands line
the streets in Central Lille, behind the Grand Place. For serious shopping head for Euralille, near the
Eurostar Station, where over 100 high-street brands cluster in one big mall.
As there are no borders in the European Union and no currency differences, why not round off your
vacation to France with a trip to Belgium which is less than 15 minutes away by car.
by Seymour-James
Named European Capital of Culture in 2004, this northern town today attracts tourists who come for
its Flemish ambience, its excellent museums, great food and beer, and of course the world
renowned Grande Braderie (Europe's biggest flea market). Today Lille is the most important city in
northern France, and the fourth biggest overall in the country. It has a very young population
(including many students), and a vibrant cultural scene.
Lille has a small airport, called 'Lille-Lesquin'. International connections include flights from Munich in
Germany, and other European cities. Most international travelers will however want to book a flight
to Paris and then continue to Lille by the TVG train which takes one hour. By car, use the A1 from
Paris.
Lille's most famous son is Charles de Gaulle, whose Maison Natale - the very house where he was
born - is a museum to the great man while the main square in the town centre proudly carries his
name. Place du General de Gaulleis the hub of this city, bordered by the impressive facades of the
Art Deco 'Voix du Nord' newspaper offices and the 17th century Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange).
To the east lie the imposing Nouvelle Bourse (New Exchange) and the Opera, both built at the start
of the 20th century. Colorful Flemish architecture is everywhere with its narrow ornamented facades
(of which the Vieille Bourse is a prime example). You can also see French classical style houses,
grand boulevards and even the 'Maison Folie' - a former textile factory now re-born as a cultural and
community centre.
If food is your passion, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat, as well as
being the capital of French Flanders, Lille is the gastronomic capital of northern France. Many
traditional dishes have clear Flemish influences, such as carbonnade flamande (beef stewed in
beer), coq a la biere, waterzooi (a creamy fish stew flavoured with white wine and herbs),
andouillettes (pork sausages), hochepot (hotpot), veau flamande (veal braised with dried fruits)
and tarte aux maroilles (cheese tart). There are eateries to suit all occasions and tastes, from
traditional brasseries (estaminets) to Michelin-starred restaurants such as the superb, Art
Deco-style A L'Huitriere, which specialises in fish and seafood.
For shopping, meander the narrow streets of Vieux Lille, popping into one-off boutiques.
International brands dot la rue de la Grande Chaussee and Place du Lion. High-street brands line
the streets in Central Lille, behind the Grand Place. For serious shopping head for Euralille, near the
Eurostar Station, where over 100 high-street brands cluster in one big mall.
As there are no borders in the European Union and no currency differences, why not round off your
vacation to France with a trip to Belgium which is less than 15 minutes away by car.
| Copyright © 2006-2012 fincafantastica.biz All Rights Reserved. About Us Contact Info Privacy Statement. Site Map |
| Use this drop-down-menu to find your way |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Find Guide Books with amazon.com or with amazon.co.uk |
| Lille City Pass |
Lille City Pass
The Lille City Pass is valid for 1, 2 or 3 days.
Gain access to attractions, exhibitions, tourist sites
and museums, and take advantage of special rates
for shows. All public transport is included: bus,
subway and tramway in the Lille city area for the 1
and 2 day passes. The entire rail network of the
region and bus, subway and tramway in the Lille
area for the 3 day pass.
The Lille City Pass is valid for 1, 2 or 3 days.
Gain access to attractions, exhibitions, tourist sites
and museums, and take advantage of special rates
for shows. All public transport is included: bus,
subway and tramway in the Lille city area for the 1
and 2 day passes. The entire rail network of the
region and bus, subway and tramway in the Lille
area for the 3 day pass.
| FERRY ROUTES IN FRANCE |
COTE DAZUR VILLAS
| The French Shop |
SAVE MONEY WITH THE
LILLE CITY PASS
OFFERING:
LILLE CITY PASS
OFFERING:
- Free Access to 27 tourist
and cultural sites
- Free access to the Lille
urban area public transport
system (buses, metro and
tramway)
- Reductions and discounts
in selected stores and
restaurants
- The three day Lille City
Pass gives you all of the
above as well as free
access to 8 tourist
attractions in the Nord-Pas
de Calais region and free
access to the TER (regional
express trains) network.
| Cannes-Festival France French City Passes French Shop Ferries Learn French Marseille Paris Ski Chalets Travel-Guide Vacation Rentals Walking Holidays |
| Finca Fantastica Travel for the independent traveller |
| Lille City Pass |
| Thank You for Visiting Lille City Pass on Finca Fantastica Travel |