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To Lille or not to Lille

Hi--
I'll be in Brussels for a few days in June and have, of course, Bruge or Ghent on one day-trip list. I'm intrigued by Lille, France.
Any thoughts about this being a worthwhile day trip? I've loosely looked at pictures and sights and sites to see, but would like some quick tips from you all.
What's not to be missed? Any go-to spots for eats/drinks? Any spots that are 'not a lot of people know to go to____"?
Our travel preferences are walkable cities, history, an art museum on a rainy day is always good, people watching, and just feeling away from home..

If you think that Lille can be skipped for another site that can be reached from Brussels in not much more than 2 hours, lay it on me!

thanks,
J

Posted by
418 posts

I've never been to Lille, but you might want to read through earlier posts on this blog written by an English woman who ended up living and working in Lille. Lots of ideas there if you comb through.

Posted by
15 posts

Yes I would suggest going to Lille! Especially in the summer it will be lovely to wander around the historical site and old town. I was there last November, even when the weather was unpleasant, it was still a great holiday.

Posted by
1329 posts

Lille is fantastic and a very vibrant city.

You have to visit the patisserie Meert to get one of their gaufre fourrée - a waffle stuffed with madagascar vanilla cream. It's not what you think of when you think waffle.

One of the best places to eat is the Le Barbue d'Anvers. The cuisine is outstanding and it's an excellent place to find the local cuisine like a carbonnade flamande (like bœuf bourguignon made with beer) and fried maroilles cheese. They also have the most amazing fritters made with gray shrimp and the building itself is historic.
If you're looking for a more world cuisine, go to N'autre Monde (they have a special surprise menu where all is a surprise) or go to Jour de Pêche for seafood.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lille is----as many say------second only to the Louvre. It is fabulous

Lille IS a walkable city (it does have a metro too). Easily walkable from both train stations or the metro. Go ! Trust me!

Posted by
44 posts

Yes! Thank you so much for the validation, you guys. And, thank you, Alexander, for the specifics in food spots. That gaufre fourrée sounds amazing!
Yay for Lille!! :)