I came across an article that described Lille as the hidden gem of France, often referred to as the “little Paris.” It mentioned how the city is becoming increasingly popular among tourists, despite being unjustly overlooked on the travel map for years. But is that really the case?
When I asked my friends if they had visited Lille and what they thought of it, I received mostly negative feedback. Most of them said it wasn’t worth the trip.
However, I didn’t want to rely solely on their opinions—I decided to experience it for myself.
Lille is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France, located near the border with Belgium. The city boasts a rich history that is evident in its streets. The historic part of the city is known for its 17th-century town hall, constructed with red bricks.
Lille is the third-largest student city in France and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2004. The city is undeniably rich in history and enjoys a strategic geographic location. With the arrival of the Eurostar in 1994, Lille became well-connected to several major European capitals. It is just one hour by train from Paris, one hour and 20 minutes from London, and only 40 minutes from Brussels.
But what were my impressions of the city? To be honest, my first impression was that my friends weren’t entirely wrong in their assessment. The city seemed neglected, dirty, and there was an unpleasant smell in the city center. Drawn by a group of students, I sat on the steps of the town hall to enjoy a coffee, but I couldn’t stay long—the smell was so strong and unpleasant that I had to leave. However, I refused to let that discourage me—I decided to give the city a chance.
I firmly believe that walking is the best way to get to know and explore a city, so I ventured into the narrow streets that had their own charm. The hidden restaurants I found had a Parisian vibe reminiscent of those in Paris, which the article’s author likely recognized. The buildings are old and poorly maintained, and while the architecture is beautiful, the overall impression is that the city needs restoration and much better upkeep.
The city isn’t chaotic or overcrowded, allowing you to stroll and enjoy at a leisurely pace. Your experience will surely be enhanced if you take a break in one of the cozy restaurants tucked away in the narrow streets, where delicious food is served.
I enjoyed my day in Lille, but NO it’s not a little Paris. Still, if you have the opportunity, I encourage you to visit this city; you might find it more to your liking than I did.
