I did the guided tour offered by the office de tourisme not once, but twice. Your knowledge of the city is staggering. Your love for the city is palpable the minute you start talking. I knew nothing about the Lille history but you did get my attention. Charles Le temeraire, Philipe Le Bon and Louis XIV would no doubt join me in thanking you for bringing them all alive for the duration of your guided tour through the city.

The old part of Lille has excellent shops and restaurants and it is a walker’s paradise. I walked on a Saturday which was busy and lively to go do some shopping and on Sunday I had a second walk while all the shops were closed to really appreciate the narrow streets, beautiful architecture and atmosphere. The old city walk can take about one hour and doesn’t require a tour guide or much structure. Lille offers a unique blend of French and Flemish style that is very much apparent in the old city.

We went here on a whim after not loving Brussel's unexpected cold/rainy snap. It was the perfect medicine! History and modernism, cafes with beer, wine, and pastries, chocolate shops... the greatest! And the views... cannot be beat!

Spent a weekend in Lille exploring the town and the history and was not disappointed. Particularly enjoyed all of the charming side streets and cafes