Why is Lille important to France?

Lille serves as an important cultural capital for much of northern France. The boulevard de la Liberté, running southeast-northwest, divides the old town in the north, which used to be cramped within the city walls, from the new town in the south, with its wide and regular streets.

What are some fun facts about Lille France?

In 1858, Lille annexed the adjacent towns of Esquermes, Fives, Moulins-Lille and Wazemmes. Lille's population was 158,000 in 1872, growing to over 200,000 by 1891. In 1896 Lille became the first city in France to be led by a socialist, Gustave Delory. By 1912, Lille's population stood at 217,000.

Is Lille the 4th largest city in France?

As France's fourth largest metropolitan area, Lille is an international crossroads, a dynamic financial center and city notable for its welcoming living environment, well-preserved heritage and active artistic and cultural life.

Is it worth going to Lille in France?

So you've been thinking about traveling in France, but wondering…is Lille worth visiting? The answer is – absolutely! Lille, France – a city often overshadowed by its more famous French counterparts – is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Plus, it is an easy day trip from Paris.

What food is Lille known for?

Is Lille Better Than Paris? | Easy French 145

What is the national dish of Lille?

Les moules-frites is a popular and historic main dish of mussels and Belgian fries that originated in Belgium hundreds of years ago and is highly popular in Lille. This national dish of Belgium is a prime example of the influence of the Flemish tradition on the culinary styling of the region.

What is the most popular drink in Lille?

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.

Why is Lille famous?

Renowned for its friendliness, Lille (External link) wows visitors with its lofty bell towers, art collection at Palais des Beaux-Arts (External link) (considered the second largest general-interest museum in France, after the Louvre) and famous stuffed waffles at the Méert pâtisserie.

Are people in Lille friendly?

Lille is a very nice city with lot to do, very walkable, friendly people, good cultural life.

Why do people go to Lille?

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.

What is the nickname of Lille?

The nickname, Les Dogues (French for "The Mastiffs"), evokes and emphasizes the team's aggressiveness and dedication, and was first used in the 1920s for Olympique Lillois players.

Is Lille bigger than Paris?

Paris is the largest city in France, and is a major global hub across a number of fields, but which other locations make up the top ten? The ten largest cities in France are Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice, Nantes, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Lille.

Is Lille a walkable city?

The heart of Lille is compact, and you can walk everywhere.

Is Lille a nice city to live in?

As a credit to its universities (accounting for more than 150,000 students), Lille is renowned for its friendliness and its youthful vitality, as well as its affordable living standard (which includes housing, food, amenities).

Is Lille English friendly?

English is widely spoken in the city, especially in the tourist areas and in businesses. You may find that some people in Lille are more comfortable speaking English than French, especially if they are young or have worked in the tourism industry.

Is it safe to walk in Lille at night?

Lille is reasonably safe for solo female travellers even after dark. While the main, well-lit areas with lots of people are generally secure, there can be pockets in the city that may be less safe. The overall crime rate is moderately low and serious crimes are not frequent.

Is Lille safe for solo female travellers?

Is Lille safe for solo female travellers? Yes, Lille is generally safe for solo female travelers. The city is well-policed and has a low crime rate. However, as with any city, it is important to take the usual precautions such as avoiding dark alleys and being aware of your surroundings.

What is the lifestyle in Lille?

Lille, has a warm atmosphere, rich in culture, and known for its vibrant arts. The city has a lot to offer, from cultural activities and events to delicious food and wine that you should definitely try out! The culture and the people are friendly and easy going, with many outdoors activities for the weekends.

Was Lille in world War 2?

The state of war, near the front – Lille was located less than 20 kilometres from the battle lines – the transformation of the city into a support base of the German army, meant that many soldiers were there on a daily basis, along with German civilians who kept shops in the city centre.

When should I visit Lille?

Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Lille are during the late spring, early summer, and in the fall. The Lille 3000, a biennial art fair takes place at the end of April. June offers long, sunny days, perfect for squeezing in the most sites.

What is the history of Lille?

The legend says that Lille was founded in 640 by Lydéric and Phinaert giants. But we find the first trace of Lille in writing of 1066. Lille was in turn under Flemish, Burgundian, Spanish before becoming French in 1667 during the conquest of the city by Louis XIV.

What alcoholic drink is France known for?

Is Lille a party city?

Lille Nightlife. Lille has an active nightlife, catering mainly for the thousands of students who live and study in the city.

What is the famous pastry of Lille?

A magnificent patisserie, that for more than 250 years, has delighted gourmets with its specialties from the region of Lille, such as berlingots (candies) and gaufres à la vanille(vanilla filled waffles).