Located close to the Belgian border, Lille is a large French city that does not lack charm! Its historic center invites you to get lost in its streets and alleys. The city is always full of festivals, art and cultural events. We also like to stroll in the alleys of its museums, to store and to make interesting small escapades in its surroundings. Are you in Paris for a few days? Take advantage of the opportunity to take an INOUI TGV train to Lille, the journey takes just over 1 hour. Moreover, you can find train tickets from 25 € on SNCF Connect. Convinced? Here are 7 activities that will leave you with a pleasant memory of the most important city of the Hauts-de-France.
1- Take a picture of the smallest house in Lille
When visiting the capital of Flanders after a trip from Paris to Lille by the INOUI TGV train, chances are that your first stroll will take place in the heart of Old Lille. The historic district is full of wonders, with narrow streets and houses that alternate between stone and brick. You will also find many shops and the very modern Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille church. It is in the area of this unique building that the one known as the smallest house in Lille is located. We can recognize it by its surprising dimensions, but also by its yellow facade, its unique window and the mascaron that keeps away the spirits. Present since the Middle Ages, this tiny house is highly Instagrammable!
2- Visit the house where Charles de Gaulle was born
On November 22, 1890, one of the most important personalities in French politics and history was born in the house of his grandparents in Lille: General de Gaulle. He was always deeply attached to his native city, and the house is now a listed historic monument and a museum managed by the Nord department. The atmosphere of a 19th century industrial middle-class home can be discovered there, with personal objects related to Charles de Gaulle's childhood and other family memories. It is also in this museum that you can pick up a map to follow the 13-step walking tour leading to places in Lille that recall the childhood of the former French president.
3- Go see a contemporary art exhibition at the Tripostal
A little more than 1 hour is the time it takes to travel from Paris to Lille! In no time at all, you can take advantage of the effervescence of Lille's culture and stroll through a museum, see a concert or a theater show. One place is particularly interesting because of its history, it is the Tripostal. This place, which was built in the 1950's to sort mail, has since changed its function by becoming an important space for contemporary creation. Located between Lille Flandre and Lille Europe train stations, the program is to be watched closely. There are always plenty of great things to see on the three 2,000m2 floors that host the exhibitions.
4- Try the specialties of Lille
How to go to Lille without enjoying its rich gastronomy? It would be a sacrilege to miss these dishes that make the city one of the most gourmet in France. During a walk in the Old Town or in other parts of the city, one does not hesitate to push the door of restaurants to taste the welsh, a must of the Flemish gastronomy with its toasted bread, its mustard, its melted cheddar and its egg. There is also the flamiche with maroilles, a must try if you swear by cheese. Waffles, sugar tarts, there is also something to satisfy those who never miss a break at snack time.
5- Discover the Korean culture during the 1, 2, 3 Seollal festival
In 2022, the first edition of the 1, 2, 3 Seollal festival was a success in Lille. So the association K-France proposes to do it again on January 21 and 22, 2023 at Euratechnologies. The theme is the discovery of the Korean culture with animations around Haidong Gumdo, Taekwondo, traditional dances and K-Pop. The presence of influencers and youtubers gives rise to conferences and signing sessions. In the evening, there is also a concert and a dj set. A tip: arrive in cosplay clothes! A moment not to be missed to fly to Asia from the beautiful and bubbling city of Lille.
6- Go and see the street art of the city
Once you arrive in Lille, the beautiful architecture of the city immediately makes you want to explore its every corner. For those who don't know, the city of the North is a real open-air museum, with not only many historical monuments, but also street art frescoes that take place here and there in the agglomeration. The Lille metropolis counts about a hundred works of art on its territory and the website of the European Metropolis of Lille proposes an interactive street art map to access 20 routes. Enough to make sublime photos.
7- Take an artistic plunge at La Piscine de Roubaix
Line 2 of the Lille metro leads to Roubaix, where one of the most amazing museums in France awaits visitors. La Piscine, otherwise known as the André Diligent Museum of Art and Industry, is a former swimming pool from the 1930s that had to be closed due to dilapidation. A real Art Deco jewel, it became in 2001 an important cultural center and one of the most important visits in the surroundings of Lille. Works of art are reflected in the water and as you stroll through this beautiful space, you will discover textile samples, paintings, sculptures, ceramics and tributes to design and fashion. Simply sublime!
