Advice

I'd like to take a short break from your visit to tell you about all the other places of interest that couldn't be included in the itinerary. A highlight of Lille is, of course, the citadel. In the 17th century, as Lille became French, Vauban himself came to rebuild it and organise its defence. The huge Citadel park, built in a star shape by the famous military engineer, is the largest green space in the city. Surrounded by a large forest, and bordered by the Deûle river, it boast a number of attractions. You'll find the majestic Royal Gate, the beautiful Napoleon bridge - commemorating the Emperor's victories, several war memorials to soldiers who fought under Charles de Gaulle, and believe it or not, one to carrier pigeons as well. There's also a zoo and a playground. If you're an Art Nouveau fan, don't miss the Maison Coilliot at 14 rue de Fleurus, not far from the République-Beaux-Arts metro station. It's absolutely magnificent! Designed by Hector Guimard, a prominent figure of French Art Nouveau whose signature you'll find on the door handle. The house was listed as a historical monument in 1977. Today, it is privately owned and cannot be visited, but its asymmetrical, yet harmonious façade is definitely a must-see! If you enjoy experiencing towns and cities through your sense of smell and taste, don't miss the Halles in the lively Wazemmes district. Built in the 19th century in the traditional Baltard style, they feature a number of stalls selling local produce and various specialties from around the world. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays there is a large market, deeply rooted in the city's culture, and one of the largest and most beautiful in France. Sunday is the perfect day to meet the locals. Just outside the city centre, near Lille Europe station, is the Parc des Géants. It takes its name from the giant-headed shrubs that were sculpted to recall the legend of the city's founders and creators. Nature has regained its rightful place and what was once a large car park, is now the perfect spot for a poetic, bucolic walk amid 2 hectares of greenery,, in the shade of trees and around ponds. There are picnic areas and a popular bar-restaurant. Another must-see in the region is the magnificent André Diligent Art Centre in Roubaix. This incredible museum is housed in an Art Deco swimming pool, built in the early 1930s. Listed as a 20th-century heritage site and recognised as a French museum, La Piscine de Roubaix is a must-see in the area. You can also head to the small town of Croix to visit the Villa Cavrois, a listed historical monument. This modern house was designed by architect Robert Mallet Stevens, a famous film set designer of the 1920s, for textile industrialist Paul Cavrois. The architect was given carte blanche to create a complete work of art that was remarkably ahead of its time. After being occupied by the Germans during the Second World War, it was remodeled by architect Pierre Barde at the owner's request to accommodate his children's families. The Cavrois family lived there until their death. The house was later sold to a real estate company that had planned to demolish it, then it was squatted, looted, recovered, and finally bought back by the state, which renovated it to restore it to its 1930s prestige and ambience. The tour immerses you in the intimacy of a wealthy industrial family, all while introducing you to a true jewel of avant-garde architecture and decor. For a salty stroll along the English Channel, why not head for Dunkirk and its Malo les Bains beach, just a 1 hour’s drive from Lille. Nicknamed the "Queen of the Northern Beaches", this seaside resort takes you back to the heart of the Belle Époque, with its magnificent Anglo-Norman seaside villas. Colourful beach huts, sand yachts, romantic waterside restaurants or a refreshing swim - you're bound to fall under the spell of this northern escape. Well, with all this, you've got plenty of things to do if you feel like staying in the area for a while.