After having discovered Annecy, Nantes or Saint-Malo in an original way through Aurelia's eyes and voice, the web series Les Cartes Postales d'Aurelia pour Expedia takes us to Lille. One hour from Paris, Brussels or London, the capital of the new Hauts-de-France region has become a trendy city in recent years. There is nothing like a weekend in the capital of Flanders to better enjoy its overflowing cultural life... Thanks to its rich heritage and its busy schedule of festivities, there are plenty of opportunities to be seduced. Follow the guide!
Making giants
According to legend, the giants Lydéric and Phinaert are closely linked to the founding of the city of Lille. They are found in bas-relief on the belfry, but above all we find the giants recreated in paper and clay inside the city hall itself. Pieces that are recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Thanks to Aurelia, we discover Dorian's workshop, creator and restorer of these sculptures. It is therefore an opportunity to learn about this popular art with this specialist who creates between 10 and 20 pieces per year. And to make you want to visit a workshop open to the general public.
Attention delicacies!
Then it is time for the Méert waffle, one of the city's emblems. Aurelia went to the Méert house, located a stone's throw from the famous Grand-Place since 1839, to meet Thierry. Who has been through the capital of Flanders and has never tasted the House's vanilla-filled waffles? Behind its gold gleaming fir tree front is also a tea room, but also a restaurant (ideal for Sunday brunch) and an impressive collection of mussels. Pastry chefs are real artists who excite the taste buds of their customers by baking delicious pastries at reasonable prices based on quality. The address not to be missed in Lille for those who love sweet delicacies... Aurelia has understood it well!
A little sport...
Finally, Aurelia undertook the ascent of a slag heap, one of the highest in Europe, on the 11/19 base at Loos-en-Gohelle. These artificial hills, built from the accumulation of mining waste, have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since June 2012. From the top of 186 metres above sea level, Aurelia enjoys an incredible panorama once she reaches the summit. Good to know: many activities are possible, including hiking and paragliding. So ends the Lille escapade of Aurelia, which with its postcards makes us want to travel through France in a different way.
