Location and opening times

 23 - 25 Oct 2012 - at Lille Grand Palais

The French touch is only 80 minutes from London! and 1 hour from Paris...

Lille, capital of the Nord-Pas de Calais Region, is the right size for easy living, and Northerners’ generous and warm nature make visitors feel welcome. All year round people are delighted by this unique mixture of Flemish traditions and French “art de vivre”.

Flemish, Burgundian and then Spanish before becoming French, Lille has an outstanding architectural wealth. A trading city since medieval times, a citadel under Louis XIV, a hive of industry during the 19th century and a city of ambition during the 20th century, Lille today offers a blend of faces of the past and of the future. Lille was European Capital of Culture in 2004, and has become a true benchmark in this field. A heaven for art: from the Fine Arts Museum to the Opera, from ballets to concerts, culture is part and parcel of life every day.

From its industrial past, Lille has kept an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. The Euralille area is a pole of architectural audacity, and Lille South has become a fashion district where young designers have their own workshops.

Fun-loving and out-going, Lille boasts the highest percentage of young people in France. Bustling energy marks all events, large and small, festive and invitating participation, such as the famous September “Braderie” (flea market). At nightfall, the party goes on in the numerous bars and clubs that make Lille nights famous...

In the country of festivities and hospitality, we like to get together around a good table! Regional food is to be found in the “estaminets”, those small Flemish restaurants with a rustic décor and a convivial atmosphere. Local favorites are “carbonnade”, “waterzoï” and “potjevleesch”, usually washed down with a traditional, locally brewed beer. The Lillois chefs are also renowned for the French gastronomy in their gourmet brasseries and trendy or Michelin-starred restaurants.

To find out where to eat, sleep and go out in Lille : Click here