Lille is a very tourist-friendly destination, known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, rich Flemish-influenced architecture, and excellent accessibility via high-speed rail. It is ideal for short, walkable, and lively city breaks, offering a mix of culture, shopping, and local gastronomy, particularly in the historic Vieux Lille area.
Proud of its French and Flemish heritage, Lille is a good place to visit for shopping hauls and cultural thrills alike. A day trip to Lille is perfectly possible: hop on the Eurostar in time for mid-morning coffee and waffles, then spend the rest of the day exploring the delightful old town and sampling local cuisine.
Paris is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.
Lille France Travel Guide: 12 BEST Things To Do In Lille
Are French people friendly to foreigners?
However, it's important to understand that while the French are protective of their traditions, they are not inherently unfriendly towards foreigners. Many expats who move to France find that once they make an effort to learn the language and understand local customs, they are warmly welcomed into their communities.
Drink prices vary so much that it's difficult to give exact prices. There's a site called Pricepint.com that gives prices of beer in Lille and they vary from £2.13 to £5.50.
Aside from a proper hello and goodbye, other pleasantries are expected in France. Leave them out and you will likely come across as rude. These include using please and thank you, and politely addressing people in shops or restaurants e.g. referring to waiters and waitresses as Madame or Monsieur.
If there's one city that consistently earns a reputation for friendliness, it's Montpellier. This youthful, sun-soaked city in Occitanie combines Mediterranean flair with a forward-thinking spirit. Home to three universities, Montpellier has an energetic vibe—but don't let that fool you.
Nevertheless, peace has generally prevailed since Napoleon I, and friendly ties between the two were formally established with the 1904 Entente Cordiale, and the British and French were allied against Germany in both World War I and World War II; in the latter conflict, British armies helped to liberate occupied France ...
Known as the European culture capital, there are countless ways to enjoy the unique qualities of this vivacious city. Whether you prefer to enjoy a beer at a local pub, listen to live music, or enjoy the nightclub atmosphere, Lille has the nightlife atmosphere you are looking for.
Lille has a rich history and exceptional heritage, and offers countless museums to visit. Start with the Tripostal, a 6000 m² exhibition space in the Euralille district.
Its Flemish heritage is strongly tied to a thriving culture: that of beer. Unsurprisingly, the most popular drink is not wine but is the craft beer. The food culture in Lille is rich and varied, although most commonly known for its waffles, waterzooi, and finally mussels with fries, as many other regions of France.
