France
Located near the Belgian border, Lille’s identity is shaped by both French and Flemish influences, which you can see its buildings and also in the food and drink. While it was once known as an industrial hub, and some may say it has retained some of that grittiness, Lille has reinvented itself in recent times. Two universities in Lille has generated a thriving student population and together with a strong art scene, the city has a very bohemian vibe.
We took a high-speed train from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport and arrived at Flanders train station within one hour. You can also connect from London and Brussels on the Eurostar.
Sightseeing
The heart of Lille is Vieux Lille, the old town. Cobblestone streets are lined with Flemish-style houses, painted in reds, yellows, and oranges and hidden down narrow alleyways are boutique shops and cafes.
One of Lille’s greatest assets is its cultural scene. The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille is often compared to the Louvre in Paris and its collection spans European masters from Rubens to Goya.
Lille is a very walkable city and we spent time walking around the centre, through old and new parts before arriving at the Grand Place, officially known as Place Charles de Gaulle. The square is framed by buildings like the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange), a distinctive Rennaissance building. There are lots of cafe terraces dotted around the square, ideal for people-watching over a coffee and sweet treat.
Food
Food is an integral part of any trip to Lille. The city’s restaurants offer classical French dishes with hearty Flemish influences. Don’t miss carbonnade flamande, a beef stew slow-cooked in beer (I’ve tried it and it really is delicious) or moules-frites, a pot of mussels with skin-on fries.
For something sweet, try a gaufre Meert, a thin waffle filled with sweet vanilla that has been a Lille specialty since the 18th century.
Finally
We enjoyed our time in Lille. Slightly off the beaten track, it felt authentic, less touristy and friendlier than some of the bigger cities. But if you want the bigger city experience it’s only an hour away.
Lille
Paris
.Have you always wanted to visit Paris but just never got round to booking that trip? Do you love the Netflix show Emily in Paris? Channel your inner Emily (or Alfie) and take a trip to one of the most romantic cities in the world.
If it’s your first visit to Paris you’ll want to tick some major landmarks off your bucket list.
The Eiffel Tower
Built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is the most iconic landmark in Paris. With over 7 million visitors a year it’s the most visited landmark in the world with an admission charge. If you want to get to the summit there’s a glass lift which will take you all the way up.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris
Located on the Ile de la cite in the centre of Paris, the cathedral has stood for over 850 years.
Following a huge fire in 2019 the main cathedral has now reopened to the public. However the twin towers are still closed and are due to reopen on 20th and 21st September 2026.
The cathedral is free to enter but you can book a slot online to reduce your waiting time.
Sacre Coeur
The basilica de Sacre Coeur sits at the top of the hill in Montmartre. It was constructed in the 19th century but the site has been a place of worship going all the way back to 207AD.
Inside, the basilica is beautiful, especially striking is the blue and gold artwork on the ceiling.
The bell tower at the north end of the basilica contains the Savoyarde, one of the heaviest bells in the world which weighs in at a colossal nineteen tonnes.
Panoramic Paris
The Eiffel Tower is a monumental 300 metres high and was once the highest structure in the world. There are viewing platforms on the first and second levels as well as a vertigo-inducing outdoor platform at the summit.
However as an alternative I would recommend the Tour de Montparnasse. The fastest lift in Europe will whisk you up to the observation deck on the 56th floor of the tower. The deck is fully enclosed with floor to ceiling windows and the views are breathtaking.
Another great viewpoint is the 8th floor terrace on the roof of the department store Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann. Unlike the Eiffel Tower and Tour de Montparnasse, it’s free so it can get a bit crowded but definitely worth it. You might also want to try the rooftop terrace at Le Printemps department store for a similar experience.
Sitting high up on the hill in Montmartre is the Sacre Coeur. It’s the second highest point in the city behind the Eiffel Tower so you’ll get great views over the city while staying at ground level.
Cruising down the River Seine
Taking a boat trip down the Seine is a great way to see the city. There are 37 bridges that span the River Seine and connect the left bank with the right bank. Learn about the history of Paris as you pass under them. The Bateaux-Mouches run day and night time boat trips. I chose to do a night time trip and seeing the Eiffel tour all lit up was spectacular. Tickets start at €8 for children and €18 for adults.
Fashion
Paris’s reputation for fashion and beauty goes without saying. All of the biggest names have a presence in Paris. Head down the boulevard Champs Elysee for global brands in their individual stores.
The biggest department store in Paris is the Galeries Lafayette. There is one on the Champs Elysee but their flagship store is on Boulevard Haussmann. Topped by a large glass dome, there are eight floors of beauty and fashion including all of the big designer names you would expect to see in the heart of Paris. With several restaurants and pop-ups throughout the store, there is everything you could want in a shopping and dining experience.
The store is open from 10am until 8.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 8pm on a Sunday.
Also on Boulevard Haussmann is Le Printemps department store. Similar to the Galeries Lafayette it is slightly less touristy but still worth a look.
Art Museums
The Louvre
If you’re an art lover then you can’t make a trip to Paris without visiting The Louvre. With its distinctive glass pyramid, the Louvre is home to major artworks such as Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David as well as the iconic Greek marble sculpture, the Venus de Milo. The Mona Lisa draws the biggest crowd and I like many others was surprised at how small it is. You may have to wait for a while if you want to get a clear photo. By contrast the Coronation of Napoleon is a huge painting measuring 6 metres high and 10 metres wide.
For ticket prices see the Louvre website. You can enter the museum for free after 6pm on the first Friday of every month. However you still need to go online and book a slot.
The Musée D’Orsay
If you like Impressionist and post-impressionist works, take a tour of The Musee D’Orsay. The museum is home to a vast collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. Highlights include;-
Several works by Vincent Van Gogh including ‘Starry Night Over the Rhône ’ and ‘Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles’
‘Poppies’ and ‘The Saint-Lazare Station’ by Claude Monet
‘Apples and Oranges’ by Paul Cezanne
‘Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette’ by Pierre-Auguste Renoir
If you like your art with a bit more of a personal touch head to the district of Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement where you can see local artists painting and selling their artwork on the cobbled streets. The area has a village feel and you’ll also find lots of charming little bistros.
Parisian Cuisine
French cuisine is renowned throughout the world and Paris is a top destination for foodies. With over 120 Michelin starred restaurants, the highest in the world, if you’re looking for a fine dining experience you’ll be spoiled for choice. However there are many bistros who may not have the Michelin stars but are still serving up delicious food.
Start the day with a croissant or pain au chocolat and a cup of French coffee in a traditional French cafe. Take a seat on the terrace for some serious people watching.
Lunch/dinner is traditionally a leisurely three course meal, starting with soup or salad.
When I was there I feasted on French onion soup, steak and chips and tarte tatin. I also loved the different flavours of macarons.
Paris is also famous for its delicatessens and I spent lots of time sampling cheeses in the fromageries and picking out amazing cakes in the Patisseries.
Entertainment
Moulin Rouge
One of the most famous cabaret clubs in the world, the dancers at the Moulin Rouge have been performing the famous Cancan since 1889. A colourful show with lots of glamour, sequins, feathers and rhinestones it’s a show where everyone is welcome. You can go along just for the show or buy a show and dinner package. Very popular with tourists you’ll need to book well in advance. Further details are on the website.
You’ll find the iconic red windmill at 82, boulevard de Clichy, Montmartre.
Crazy Horse Cabaret Club
So if you are a fan of Emily in Paris you will know that one of the characters regularly performs at the Crazy Horse Cabaret Club. The show may be fiction but the Crazy Horse is real. Established in 1951 the Club is located at 12 Avenue George V. The shows are less family friendly than at the Moulin Rouge with a lot of nudity in the performances. Further details can be found on the website.
Finally
Four more great reasons to visit Paris
February 14th is St. Valentine’s Day. Why not take your loved one for a romantic trip away to one of the most romantic cities in the world.
May sees the start of The French Open Tennis at Roland Garros where you can see your favourite tennis stars in action.
In July the final stage of the Tour de France cycling takes place. Join the crowds lining the Champs Elysee as the cyclists make their way to the finishing point at the Arc de Triomphe.
With Paris being one of the biggest fashion capitals in the world it’s no surprise that there are several Paris Fashion Weeks. The most high profile one is Haute Couture Week which takes place twice a year in January and July. Celebrities, fashion designers, models and industry professionals flock to the city. Entrance to the shows is by invitation only but there’s always a chance of catching a glimpse of a famous face between shows.