Lille is one of the easiest cities in Europe to fall for without spending a euro. Cobbled lanes, a working cathedral, free museums on Sunday...
The blog
Our stories
Every story on Tour de Lille, newest first: Andy’s take as a British expat, Delphine’s as the local who never left. Pick a section below, or just scroll and see where Lille takes you.
Our 10 tips for experiencing the Braderie de Lille like a true Ch’ti
Every first weekend of September, Lille turns into Europe's biggest flea market. Between bargain hunters, mussels and chips, and pedestrian streets...
The best wine shops in Calais: an expat’s honest grape-run guide
Calais still draws British day-trippers hunting for cheap wine, but not every shop by the port deserves the stop. This guide ranks the best Calais...
How to get to Lille from the UK
Reaching Lille from the UK takes as little as 1h22 by direct Eurostar, though coaches, rideshare and driving through the Channel Tunnel all offer...
The best terraces in Lille
Lille does sunshine properly. The moment the clouds part, tables spill out across the old town, the Citadelle park fills up, and every rooftop in...
The Lille Braderie, exactly as I live it: the atmosphere, the chine and getting here from London
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...
What if Count Binface stood for Lille? Andy’s political fantasy
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...
Duty free shop Calais : the complete guide to getting the best deals on wine
The duty-free shops at Calais port and the LeShuttle terminal are familiar stops for British travellers crossing the Channel. But are they the best...
Why visit Lille : the honest insider’s guide for British visitors
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...
Moving to Lille: What You Really Need to Know Before You Arrive
Lille is the kind of city that surprises people. They expect a grey northern industrial town and find, instead, cobbled squares, a roaring food...
How to Prepare for the Tour de France Grand Départ
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...
The Best Local Dishes to Try During Your Visit
Introduction No visit to Lille is complete without savoring its delicious cuisine. Discover the flavors of the region with these must-try dishes. 1....
Get Around Lille Like a Local
Thanks to our tips, you now know where to eat, drink, and how to survive the Lille Metro without getting (too) lost.
It took time (and a few beers) to gather all these secret spots... plus a few glasses of wine, because Delphine is French and a pint simply won't do.
Wanna say thanks? Buy Andy a beer: he's English, it's practically the law. Or buy Delphine a glass of wine. Same link, they'll sort it out between them.