Hello everyone.. The new guest of our Learn From Locals column is my dear friend Hodalah Arazouk, who lives in Lille, France. I'm sure those who are into football have heard of this city before. Let's get to know a little more closely.
What is the best way to explore city (walk, public transport or to rent a car) ?
Well, it depends. The city is not that big, which allows you to visit a big part of the city on foot. But the city is also very well served with the subway, there is only two Lines, and also a tramway and basically that all you need to visit Lille.
Which areas should be preferred to stay?
Here is a map showing the best places to stay in order to be near the markets, the restaurants, and touristic places :
If you prefer to be more close to the bars and clubs, then it is better for you around Rue Royale.
What is must to do?
There is so many things to do in Lille and its vicinities. You can start with visiting the « Vieux Lille », which is in my sense the most beautiful area of Lille. It is basically the oldest part of the town, and you will find there super nice vintage shops, and places to have coffees.
You definitely need to go to the famous open market of « Wazemmes », it is really huge, we can find fresh fruits and vegetables, but also vintages clothes, disques, and some second hands fournitures. It usually takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
In the vicinities of Lille, I will also suggest some really good places to visit :
Parc du Héron, Villeneuve d’Ascq.
If you need some fresh air, I really recommend you to go there, you can bike or just have a walk in the 110 hectares of the park. You will be able to stop to admire the superb views that the park offers but also the animals that you will meet on your way.
Musée de la Piscine, Roubaix (really recommended)
Museum of Contemporary Art ‘LAM’, Villeneuve d’Ascq
Parc Barbieux, Roubaix
You can continue the visit with the following places :
✓ Grand’Place
✓ Place de la Bourse
✓ Place de l’Opéra
✓ Parc Vauban
✓ The Zoo (next to parc Vauban)
✓ Parc de la Citadelle (sticked to parc Vauban) and used to be a military zone
✓ Rue de Bethune
✓ Place des Beaux arts
✓ Musée des Beaux arts
✓ Saint Sauveur
✓ Tripostal (It welcomes wonderful expositions every year, you will need to check before if there is any when you go)
✓ Villa Cavrois
✓ Maison natale de Charles de Gaulle
What is must to eat?
The most famous and typical dishes in Lille are : Cabronnade flamande, Welsh, and Raclette, but if you are not a cheese lover, just avoid the two last ones .
You can eat theses specialities in places called ‘Estaminet’, basically restaurants where you can find traditional food and accompany it with a nice beer. Of course, if you go to Lille you also need to try the waffles.
What is your favorite restaurants?
Restaurants :
Le Broc $$ (traditional food)
Le Barbus d’Anvers $$ (traditional food)
Estaminet (Vieux-Lille) $$ (traditional food)
Le Byblos $$ (libanese restaurant)
Bloempot $$$ (traditional food)
Monsieur Jean $$$ (traditional food)
La bellezza $$ (italian restaurant)
Coffees :
L’impertinente $$
Meert $$
Aux Merveilleux $$
Wally’s Coffee $$
Sweet Flamingo $$
Elieabeth’s $$
Pablo & Valentina $$
Which season is the best to visit the city?
Definitely during spring, the weather is perfect, it is not too warm, not too called, you will enjoy all the open terraces and beautiful parks.