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Lille is the capital of the Nord department in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. Situated along the Deule River, near the border between France and Belgium, Lille is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is also the fourth largest city in France, after Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Paris or Cannes, Lille offers a peaceful and tranquil feel, with its old-world charm blending seamlessly with modern life, much like a cup of latte on a boulevard on a crisp morning.
The people of Lille aren't as fashionable as those in Paris, but they are much friendlier and more approachable. The city is a treasure trove of carefully preserved heritage, and its cultural life is incredibly rich. With countless historical buildings, museums, monuments, parks, gardens, shopping areas… everywhere is worth visiting and seeing, so Lille always surprises and delights tourists.
The first place to visit when in Lille is the Grand Place, or more fully, Charles de Gaulle Square. This is a huge square, surrounded by impressive Renaissance buildings, and serves as the gateway to the old town within Lille. From the tram station, it only takes about 10 or 15 minutes to walk to the Grand Place.
There are many cafes located on the square. You can stop and recharge before exploring the city. Café de Foy is popular with French tourists, where you can enjoy coffee, orange juice, and toast with jam for €4.50 – less than 150,000 VND. Or you can visit 6 Place Rihour. This is a side street of the Grand Square, with many cafes featuring typical outdoor seating, and in winter, visitors are given blankets to snuggle under while enjoying a steaming hot coffee in the chilly weather.
During your trip to Lille, France, if you're a book lover, you should definitely visit Furet du Nord at 15 Place Charles de Gaulle. This is a huge bookstore – one of the largest in Europe. Besides French books, it also offers English books and small handmade items for tourists to buy as souvenirs.
The nearby Old Town of Lille is also a must-see destination. Its ancient charm is highlighted by Baroque-style houses characteristic of the 17th and 18th centuries, winding cobblestone streets, and many unique restaurants and cafes. Sipping a cup of coffee while watching the peaceful streets of Lille is a truly wonderful experience.
To make your trip even more exciting, visit the Lille flea market (Grande Braderie de Lille) to explore French culture and products. Items sold mainly include books, old records, antique porcelain, antique silverware, clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and artwork. In addition, you can enjoy many street foods such as mussels, chips, grilled fish, and other regional specialties.
If you appreciate classical architecture, the Notre-Dame de la Treille Basilica in Lille is an ideal destination. Construction began in 1854 but was completed in 1999. From the outside, you'll see a 30-meter-high marble archway and an impressive iron statue of the Virgin Mary. Inside, the architecture is ancient and lavishly decorated, yet still maintains a solemn atmosphere.
Inside Notre-Dame de la Treille Basilica are incredibly detailed and exquisite sculptures. It's also a very sacred place of prayer for the French, and there's no entrance fee. On a late autumn day, visit the basilica and offer a heartfelt prayer, or simply let yourself find peace amidst the sorrows of the past.
Lille is a historical city, dating back to around 640 AD but not appearing on maps until 1054. As its name suggests, Lille means "island," as it was initially a small island, later developing into a seaport, and today it has become a city of culture, art, and commerce.
If you want to spend time enjoying the cultural and artistic life of Lille, you can visit the Palais des Beaux, one of the largest museums in France, built around the 19th century, to admire famous works by Monet, Raphael, and van Gogh; and the Lille Opera House, built during World War I, designed by architect Louis-Marie Cardonnier in the style of opera houses popular in France and Monte Carlo, with a capacity of up to 1,136 spectators per performance. The exterior of the theater is adorned with beautiful and elaborate carvings, making it impossible for visitors to ignore.
Stepping inside, the vast space overwhelms many French tourists. It's filled with an atmosphere of antiquity and unique elegance, found only in France. This Grand Theatre hosts some of the biggest concerts in Lille. Spend a weekend evening immersing yourself in the enchanting melodies of the piano and orchestra, or be captivated by a moving opera performed by renowned artists.
Furthermore, French tourists simply cannot resist the allure of the shopping centers. As one of France's largest cities, Lille, with its modern lifestyle, boasts numerous shopping areas, some even featuring outdoor markets, allowing visitors to indulge in shopping on a reasonable budget, with prices becoming even more attractive during holidays like Christmas. In addition, there are antique shops, art galleries, and many impressive international chain stores that can easily empty a visitor's wallet.
One unmissable experience when visiting France in general and Lille in particular is the cuisine. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, Lille offers a rich and diverse array of dishes that can satisfy even the most discerning diners, such as carbonnade (beef stew flavored with mustard and brown sugar), pain chocolate (chocolate bread), cinnamon rolls, merveilleux (ice cream rolls in crushed chocolate, often sold in boxes of six flavors including coffee, dark chocolate, white chocolate, cherry, and hazelnut praline)...
France is not just about vibrant cities, fashion capitals, or bustling shopping centers; it also boasts a peaceful and romantic Lille with many interesting things that not everyone knows about or has fully explored. Away from the glitz and glamour of Paris and the extravagance of Cannes, Lille offers a tranquil and gentle haven for tourists to discover in late autumn and early winter, to experience classic French charm in France.
Additional information
Trip:Lille Lesquin International Airport is located approximately 11 km from the city center. Several airlines operate flights from Vietnam to Lille, including United Airlines and Air France.
From Paris, a train ride to Lille takes 20 to 30 minutes, with a round-trip ticket costing around 22 EUR (650,000 VND). Alternatively, for a more economical option, you can take a bus for only 5 EUR (150,000 VND), but this takes over 3 hours.
Time:Lille is at its most beautiful in spring and autumn. The peak tourist season is autumn, around September and October each year. September is especially popular because it's when the Braderie fair takes place, attracting around 2 million visitors annually. So, if you want to save money, you should visit in spring, from March to May each year.
Move:For convenient sightseeing in the city, you can get around by taxi, train, subway, or bus.
Accommodation:In Lille, there are many hotels, guesthouses, and homestays with average prices ranging from 70 to 100 EUR (2,000,000 to 3,000,000 VND) per room per night.
