Eurostar to Lille
Buzzy Lille is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region and boasts a magnificent old town with French and Flemish architecture, some great art museums and local cuisine and a bustling nightlife that’s popular with the city’s 67,000 university students. You can reach France’s fourth-largest city on an easy 1 hour, 22-minute trip on Eurostar from St Pancras International, making this a very easy day trip, but staying overnight is much more fun.
Eurostar to Lille
You can catch the Eurostar to Lille from London St Pancras station, with a journey time of just 1 hour 22 minutes. The train takes you right into the heart of the city at Lille Europe station, just a 10-minute walk from the centre. Prices start at €52.
Eurostar to Lille: Must-see
If there’s only one thing you see in Lille, make it the impressive Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille. This impressive museum dedicated to fine and modern French art is one of the largest art museums in France and houses some of the finest paintings and sculpture works in the country.
Where to eat in Lille
This area of France is known for its hearty fare so if you’re interested in trying real French food, then head to Le Comptoir 44, a cute rustic bistro in Rue de Grand that serves seasonal French food like pig’s head terrine, sausages with celery and apple sauce and grilled fish with braised lentils. http://www.comptoir44-lille.fr
What to buy
France excels at high-class patisserie so if you’re a lover of beautifully made sweet treats, head for Pâtisserie Méert where you can indulge your sweet tooth. Their beautifully wrapped macarons make the ideal present to take home – if you can stop yourself from eating them on the Eurostar home!
Where to stay in Lille
L’Hermitage Gantois was Lille’s first five-star hotel. The gorgeous 15th century building boasts two restaurants, a spa and a bar, making it the perfect place to stay in the centre of the city.
Mercure Lille Centre Grand-Place €€
This is a fantastically situated mid-price 4-star hotel in a Beaux arts building. The hotel has bright, comfortable rooms and a buzzy bar.
Gastama – The People Hostel is a popular choice for those travellers on a budget who want to stay in the historic part of the city. As well as a big choice of accommodation from dormitories to private rooms, this hostel also boasts a bar and friendly restaurant too.