When planning any long journey through Europe, seasoned travellers will check out the local news of each city before confirming an itinerary. Safe and informed travel reduces the stress and anxiety associated with surprises… which are not always fun when travelling. After learning of the yellow-vest protests in Paris, we decided to head to straight to Lille – the lesser populated, capital of the Hauts-de-France region.
Our flight with Etihad was smooth, clean and timely, with one short stop in Abu Dhabi. After a long 24 hours of travel, it was a relief to arrive in Paris CDG. Two hours after navigating customs and an easy stroll to the station within the airport, we boarded the TGV for an ultra fast (300km/hr!) <1 hour transfer to Lille. I recommend booking first class, to ensure a designated seat in a quieter area (especially if you’re travelling onwards from a long-haul flight). It is so worth it!
Arriving at Gare Lille, we headed bags in tow towards the historical centre – Grand Place. Charming architecture and festive decorations were a perfect distraction from the rather irksome walk over wet, cobblestoned streets to arrive at our hotel. This was just after dusk in early winter. There was some slight rainfall, but the walk was somewhat refreshing and the beauty of the city hits you more fully when on foot than what would have been experienced through a taxi window.
Checking into our Grand Place Signature room at the historic Grand Hôtel Bellevue, we enjoyed a wonderful panoramic view over the Place du Général de Gaulle (Grand Place). The Column of the Goddess featured in the centre of the square is commemorative to the city’s resistance to the 1792 Austrian siege.
Being December, the square was adorned with glittering Christmas lights and a giant Ferris wheel, so close as to allow us to converse with riders from our balcony! ‘Bonjour Madame!” I heard from a distance.
Built in the 19th century, the Grand Bellevue exudes Flemish architecture and underwent renovation mid-2018, so our room was invitingly chic and modern with a touch of old world charm. The staff were friendly and the inclusion of le petit-déjeuner was a welcomed bonus.
After settling in, we ventured out to the Christmas markets and indulged in some culinary delights – bretzel, onion soup, vin chaud, gingerbread and waffles. Nothing better than some warm, comfort food on a cold winter’s evening. Market offerings are often sourced from the local region and range from sweetly fragranced soaps to hand-crafted wooden toys and ornaments, amongst other things.
Lille is truly film set surreal! Despite the Christmas festivities adding to the magic, the city’s architecture, cuisine and cultural events are enough to justify a visit.
While exploring the cute streets of Old Town, you may stumble upon the chandelier-lit Aux Merveilleux de Fred offering delicate Merveilleux cakes (the Magnifique was my favourite!) or L’Ogre de Carrouselberg selling fine pastries. Both patisseries were brimming with customers and it’s certainly easy to see why. If you’re not a dessert person (oh my, you are rare!), Lille has much more to offer… easily a window shopper’s dream!
Overall, the city felt very safe and was perfect for practicing my Français… apparently my accent is très bien! And while witnessing a yellow-vest protest through the city, it was a rather civilised one compared to that of Paris. If you’re considering a trip to France, be sure to visit Lille… la belle ville!
Carol says
What a beautiful website DM! Well done. Thanks for sharing. You are lucky to explore the different continents and to create wonderful memories. Do it while you can. So adventurous! You are very knowledgeable. The current and historical information that you share is excellent. I guess some places in Europe feel like a fairytale. Your photos are beautiful and the landscapes and cities are amazing. They are so unbelievable. How those old buildings and landmarks along with castles are still standing? I hope one day to see it for myself.