Once a year, my city turns into the largest flea market in Europe, and for two days you'll hear singing from an open window, smell mussels on every terrace, and lose all sense of time in a crowd that somehow never feels like a crowd. This guide starts where the...
I've been following the Clacton-on-Sea by-election with unashamed delight. A dustbin-helmeted independent taking on Nigel Farage is exactly the kind of political theatre I live for. And somewhere between his last press round-up and my second coffee, I started...
The duty free shop at Calais port is well-known to every British traveller who crosses the Channel. But for wine buyers, it is rarely the most rewarding stop. Calais Vins and Olivier Vins combine direct sourcing from French producers, a formal VAT reclaim service and...
Lille sits 80 minutes from London by Eurostar, yet most British visitors still fly straight past it. That is a mistake. The capital of Flanders combines world-class museums, a thriving estaminet food scene, some of the strongest beer in northern Europe and enough WW1...
Lille is the kind of city that surprises people. They expect a grey northern industrial town and find, instead, cobbled squares, a roaring food scene, and a train that puts Brussels 35 minutes away and Paris in under an hour. What they don't expect is how fast the...
Introduction Planning to attend the Grand Départ in Lille? Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your experience. 1. Book Your Accommodation Early Hotels fill up fast during the Tour de France. Choose a place close to the city center for easy access...
Introduction No visit to Lille is complete without savoring its delicious cuisine. Discover the flavors of the region with these must-try dishes. 1. Carbonnade Flamande A hearty beef stew cooked with beer, onions, and spices, served with crispy fries. 2. Maroilles...
Introduction While visiting Lille for the Grand Départ, take time to explore the city’s unique landmarks. From historic architecture to vibrant markets, Lille has something for everyone. 1. The Grand Place The heart of Lille, this bustling square is surrounded by...
Grand Départ Lille First run in 1906, the Paris-Lille stage was a traditional curtain-raiser for the Tour de France. It was run on seven occasions on routes that were every bit as testing as Paris-Roubaix in the modern era! This was backed up by Georges Speicher’s...