‘The Paris alternative that’s easier to get to’ – the pretty European city known for its waffles
This week’s Spotlight On, we are shining a spotlight on the French city of Lille, in the Hauts-de-France region.
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the city, which is easy to get to by train.
She explained: “Living in Kent, it actually took me longer to get to the Eurostar than it did to get to Lille!
“Just an 1hr22 from the UK, it’s the first stop for Brits leaving London – and a great alternative to Paris.
“Make sure to book a retro car tour of the city, where you are driven around in a tiny vintage Citroen 2CV.
“And for the best sunset, head to Nu – the only rooftop bar in the city (and a great place for first-timers trying snails… even I was hooked.
“Want a fun, affordable stay? The zany Mama Shelter hotel starts from just £78 a night.”
Here are some of our other top picks.
MUST SEE/DO
The lively city of Lille is close to the Belgium border.
It offers a combination of fantastic architecture, art galleries, museums and great shopping.
Stroll along the picturesque cobbled streets of the old town and be sure to visit the elegant tea room at Meert (25-27 Rue Esquermoise).
It’s a local institution known for its gooey, stuffed waffles.
HIDDEN GEM
La Piscine museum in Roubaix is a real treasure.
It was cleverly converted from a former art-deco swimming pool to a fascinating art museum in 2001 with sculptures, paintings and textiles by famous artists including Picasso and Rodin.
Many features of the original pool remain, including the tiled walls and a central water display.
Around the pool, the old shower cubicles have been converted into display cases all lit through stained-glass windows.
BEST VIEW
The Grand Place dates back to the 17th century and is renowned for its stunning architecture, making it a great spot for those all-important social-media snaps.
Highlights include the Old Stock Exchange (La Vieille Bourse), a French and Flemish building, and the pretty courtyard which has booksellers running along its edge (it’s one of the most photographed spots in the city).
Get a bird’s-eye view from the top floor of Le Furet du Nord, which is one of the largest bookshops in France and free to enter.
RATED RESTAURANT
For classic, local dining, think generous portions of traditional carbonnade (Flemish stew) or pot’je vleesch (booze-marinated cuts of meat), washed down with delicious craft beer – head to Estaminet La Ch’tite Brigitte.
The traditional estaminet (brasserie-style restaurant) in old Lille offers a rustic feel and delicious hearty food.
Little dishes such as croque monsieurs cost from €6, while larger plates are priced from €16.
BEST BAR
La Capsule, also in the old town, is a haven for beer lovers with 28 craft ales on draught, including local, national and international (mainly Belgian) brews.
There are beers to suit all tastes – sours, IPAs, stouts and powerful Belgian ales such as Triple or Saison as well as Lambics (just be careful not to drink too many as they sure are punchy).
The staff really know their biere from their bitter and will help find the perfect brew for your palate.
HOTEL PICK
The 4H Hotel L’Arbre Voyageur is in a similar part of town to our recommendations.
It’s housed in the former Polish Consulate and is just a ten-minute walk from the Lille Europe train station.
This stylish boutique hotel is the ideal base for exploring and offers contemporary rooms and two excellent restaurants – the gourmet Jane and bistro-style Ma Reine.
Rooms start from £114 per night based on two adults sharing (hotelarbrevoyageur.com/en).