Lille has two main stations- Gare Lille Flanders for trains throughout the city, and Gare Lille-Europe which also operates TGV, Eurostar and other high speed services. Trains between Ebbsfleet and Lille run around 8 times a day Monday-Friday, and 12 times a day Saturdays and Sundays.
Eurostar
trains between Ebbsfleet International and Lille have average journey times of 1 hour, 20 minutes, making it even faster and more convenient to reach via high speed rail. The best time to visit is late spring or early summer, as the warm weather makes it so popular.
Lille is the fourth largest city in France, is situated in the north and is close to the border with Belgium with around 220,000 inhabitants. Summer time in Lille between June and August is the warmer time to visit with average temperatures around 68°F, 20°C. In winter time temperatures can reach 32° F (0°C).
In 2004, it was designated a European Culture Capital, and since has been an important tourist destination with a well preserved history. Shopping and markets are an important part of life in Lille, here a mixture of traditional shops and more international shops can be found.
Points of interest
La Vieille Bourse
The finest building in the city, built around 1652 during which period Lille was part of the Netherlands. Above the entrance gate are two lions, a symbol of this, and in the centre is the "fleur de lys", the city's emblem. Inside the cloister there are usually bookstalls with interesting engraved designs on the stone.
Palais des Beaux-Arts
A 19th century building which holds Lille's renowned museum of fine arts. The gallery features examples of work by Goya, Donatello, Raphael and Rubens.
Hospice Comtesse
Originally built as a hospital in 1237, it remained in working operation until 1939 when it became a museum containing tapestries, paintings, wood sculptures all from this region of France.
The Open Air Museum
Lille's living museum, which is a recreation of a local village including thatched cottages, rural craft workshops, seed barns and traditional farmhouses.
Attractions
L'Opéra, opened in 1923 replacing another theatre built in 1785 which burnt down.
One of the few surviving Flanders buildings founded by the Countess of Flanders, Jeanne de Constantinople, now an art museum.
The goddess (holding a cannon fuse in her right hand), which can be seen throughout the city such as the Grand Place or “Place du General de Gaulle”, represents one of the proudest moments of the city's history. In September 1792 Lille was part of France, but the city was surrounded by 35,000 Austrian soldiers, though it refused to surrender. Lille managed to hold out and the siege was eventually lifted.
Top Attractions
Brussels Main Attractions - Brussels Main Attractions
Le Grand Place
Many of the city?s nightclubs, restaurants and bars are located around the main square, also known as the Grote Markt in Flemish, which also functions as a market place, with different specialities on alternative days, such as the flower market and the bird market. Light shows run from spring right through to the autumn months where the whole area and its Flemish Renaissance buildings with statues and ornaments are illuminated ... 1000
Musical Instruments Museum (Musee des Instruments de Musique)
The museum's reputation is mainly built on its extraordinary collections. With a wealth of some 7000 instruments, the MIM is currently an internationally renowned instrumental museum. Once inside, you'll embark on a true tour of the musical world. After your trip past the some 1500 pieces on exhibit, the instruments and their history will no longer hold any secrets: from viole da gamba from the Court of Brussels to the 20th century ther... 1000
Pierre Marcolini
A world wide famously known chocolatier in Brussels, Belgium. amazing taste for good chocolate.... 1000
The Atomium
Built in 1958 when Brussels hosted the World?s Fair, the Atomium is a cross between sculpture and architecture. It is a sight to see in its own right, but expositions are also available in the various spheres, and the uppermost houses a restaurant, Chez Adrienne. Mini-Europe is located at the foot of the Atomium, showing the sights and attractions of the whole continent- visitors can see detailed models of the Eiffel Tower, B... 1020
The Cantillon Brewery
The family-run historic brewery has been making LAMBIC, GUEUZE, FARO and KRIEK since 1900. Visitors can taste authentic Gueuze-Lambic in the breweryâ??s great brewing fair, a public brewing session, where the Master Brewer, Van Roy-Cantillon and friends invite the public to watch the traditional production of their goods and the brewers are always willing to take questions on and discuss their trade if visitors wish to know more.... 1070
The House of Victor Horta
There are many museums and mansions dedicated to Art Nouveau, and the house of Victor Horta (the movementâ??s most well-known architect) is a key attraction. Another site for enthusiasts is the Horta-designed museum dedicated to comic strips.... 75001