Lille, a city in northern France less than two hours from London by Eurostar, offers a blend of Flemish and French culture. It became officially French in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht, after being annexed by Louis XIV and reclaimed by the Dutch. The city is known for its museums, Vauban architecture, and atypical gastronomy.
Visitors can start at the Grand Place, home to the Vieille Bourse and the Rang de Beauregard, a row of 14 two-bay private homes that blend classical French and Flemish architecture. The square is a popular meeting point with many restaurants and cafés.
Old Lille, the historic centre, features cobbled streets lined with arcaded houses and offers restaurants, shops, and the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille cathedral. Nearby, the Bois de Boulogne park includes woods, a promenade with views of the citadel, a zoo, and an amusement park.
Food lovers can visit the gourmet market in the Latin Quarter every Wednesday and Saturday morning. The République district and the former working-class Saint-Sauveur area have been revitalised, with the old train station now a concert hall and exhibition venue.
Lille is accessible via Eurostar from London in one hour and 22 minutes, with fares from £39, or by plane via Paris, which is just over an hour away.
