Lille
Lille is a great place for a short but lively weekend away. It's closer than Paris - just two hours by Eurostar from London - so even with the time difference there's no problem getting there in time for lunch. Also, while it offers all the great art, shopping, busy markets and memorable eating you'd want from a weekend in France, there's a distinctive Flemish twist that reminds you you're closer to Brussels than you are to the French capital.
Must see and do:
- Explore the old town - a great introduction to Lille, with its historic buildings including La Vielle Bourse (home to booksellers and florists)
- See the Museum of Charles de Gaulle
- Look at the displays at the Museum of Natural History
- Browse through the interesting markets and street fairs
- Try the speciality cheeses and beef stew
So it's beer rather than wine with lunch, moules -frites rather than steak-frites, narrow cobbled streets rather than grinds boulevards. Nearly all bars and cafes will serve a cheap lunchtime deal and are family friendly. Even in the relatively smart restaurants the style is informal, and you don't need to dress up. Prices are very reasonable and the quality is high. The city is easy to explore on foot.
