History for a Day: Lille or Amiens?

With its spectacular cathedral and crucial role in WWI, I would choose Amiens.

These two places are northeast France , not northwest . I agree with David , Amiens is a better choice , in part due to the cathedral . In addition , if you have a car , the historic sights and memorials in the Somme are easily accessible . If you do choose Lille , that would place you in reasonable striking distance , with a car , of course , to the sights in and around Flanders . An interest in the history of the Great War is essential to either of these places .

Hi,

If you want the cultural center of northern France, then choose Lille. I've been to both Lille and Amiens.

Amiens has its famous cathedral, close by ca 50 mins is Beauvais, also the site of a cathedral and the war cemetery. I agreed if your interest is in WW1, then choose Amiens. Amiens on the Somme was to be reached by the Germans in 1914 by forty days after mobilisation (M+40) according to the original plan. Also in 1918 the city of Amiens is significant since the German offensive was blunted there on 8 August, causing it to be called, "the Black Day of the German Army."

If you interest is in seeking out WW 1 sites, I would suggest going to Arras. Numerous sites are located in the city itself and outskirts.

Lille has the nickname "Little Paris" because of the street character and architecture. It has a large, superb art museum, and is a rail hub, including the Eurostar. It has some Flemish restaurants because of it's previous nationality.

Lille is the birth place of Charles de Gaulle, the home where he grew up is now a museum.