Lille

There are times when I need to psych myself to get out, even in a place like Paris. Having great company is always a motivation to explore.

Adeline had a EuRail pass she had purchased for her holiday the previous month, which she wanted to maximise while it was still valid. We had a few places in mind and based on availability of seats (limited seats are allocated for EuRail pass holders on all trains), we decided on Lille.

Lille is a city in northern France, bordering Belgium. It is the fourth largest metropolitan area in France after Paris, Lyon and Marseille.

We started out early and headed to Gare du Nord, one of the main train stations in Paris. Different trains out of Paris depart from different main stations, so it was really a gamble we took. Luckily for us, the lady at the ticketing counter was patient and helped us decide our destination.

My ticket to Lille was €54.00 and the was €41.50. Since we didn't know what to expect in Lille, I opted for a same-day open return ticket that cost extra €2.00 for the option of changing to an earlier train back.

The trains to Lille depart every hour. By the time we got our tickets we had just missed the 9:58am train, so we got some breakfast at Aux Villes du Nord, one of the many cafes outside the station.

I had chocolate banana crepe and a coffee. The cafes there are used to catering to foreigners. Each one had their menu in several languages. Although, you can't trust that the translation is accurate. Adeline ordered what was stated as "pie", which indeed was actually a foot-long baguette with liver paté.

The train to Lille was supposed to take an hour. Due to some electrical difficulty, we arrived at Lille Flanders station at about 12:30pm, half an hour later than scheduled.

Our entire day was spent on foot. We managed to sight quite a number of local attractions and the part of Lille that is known for its old buildings, Vieux Lille.

A few places to spot in Lille:

Place du Général de Gaulle, also known as Grand Place is where the Citadelle Champ de Mars (left with the clock tower), Place du Théâtre Opéra (centre), Vieille Bourse and main shopping area are located.

Nouveau Siécle

Rue Gambetta, the Chinatown of Lille.

Rue de la Monnaie in the old part of Lille.

One of the many churches around.


Palais Rameau, an old building with a well-manicured garden houses art exhibitions these days.

Parc Jean-Baptiste Lebas, a playground with unique red equipment.

An old church with a modern front.

Jardin Vauban by the river Deŭle.

Even the oldest towns these days know how to capitalise on tourists with retail therapy.