Lille France

I've never looked for it in one of the RS Travel books, however I have been to Lille several times and will be passing through again later this year.

Is there something general you want to know about it? I couldn't give you hotel or restaurant recommendations (I have friends who live there so I stay with them) but I could tell you some general things about the city.

FWIW, when visiting non-Paris, France, I often use Lonely Planet books.

No. He never really covered Lille.

To piggyback on amph ‘s post…I am interested in visiting Lille. Could it be a day trip from Ghent…or more worth it to stay a couple days? I dont know much about it. I do love France and the name of this town has always appealed to me! If its a larger city…I do prefer old quaint villages. I wonder if many areas in Northern France along Belgium were damaged during war and rebuilt? We have experienced Normandy and those WW2 historical areas. We loved villages like Bayeux!

I’m spending a week in Lille in January and during the planning stage I found a book on Amazon that is great. The company is Bradt, I think they are a British travel book publisher. Title is: Lille. I bought the kindle version. Happy travels.

It's not in Rick Steve's book or website. I used the forum here and YouTube videos for info. I had just an afternoon there this May and really enjoyed it. Could have spent longer but that's what I had.

If its a larger city…I do prefer old quaint villages.

Lille is definitely NOT a "quaint village." It is a good sized city with a major transportation hub. It is a university town so has a strong, youthful vibe. I've spent some time in Lille - mainly because I have friends who live there - and while I like it okay, it would never be on my list to just go spend several days there. But the stunning Flemish architecture (and a few museums) makes it a worthwhile visit, and it is a good point in France from which to go to Bruges and Ghent.

Thanks Stella. That helps. I think I will research more for smaller French villages accessible by train from Ghent where I am basing.

I wonder if many areas in Northern France along Belgium were damaged
during war and rebuilt?

Take a look at Arras. We stayed there last October. It wasn't completely destoyed during WW1, but a lot had to be rebuilt. We had a car and came from Bruges, I have no idea about the train situation. Not in France, but Ypres was also destroyed during WW1.

Take a look at Arras

Not to hijack the thread but since you brought up Arras, that is a town I am considering for a possible day trip during my upcoming trip to northern France during the Christmas season (I'll be based in Amiens.) I've been THROUGH Arras a few times, just changing trains, but never went into the city itself.

Good thought. Arras does sound lovely. I am now highjacking thread to Belgium. I just found Dinant….that looks so interesting!

well all kinds of self confessed hijackers but after 4 days and all these comments and the original poster hasn't been back

Original poster here.
Thanks so much for the suggestions!
I have been enjoying everyone’s questions and ideas!