Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Lille, la rayonnante capitale des Flandres

The capital of the Flanders has a rich history. Lille was not always French and the Vauban Citadel is a big heritage of the wars during the reign of Louis XIV. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Lille faces social issues due to the decline of the coal, mining and textile industries. In the last decades, the city started a large cultural program and it is nowadays an important cultural hub in France, offering many cultural festivals and exhibitions. With its proximity to international cities such as London, Brussels and Paris, the 4th biggest metropolitan area of France is easy to access and commute. Charles de Gaulle was born in the Vieux-Lille, the old district of Lille, where you have to spend a few hours on your next visit there and wander in the narrow cobble-stoned streets! Eventually, you should try some of the local and Flemish typical dishes like the Carbonnade flammande and have a piece of Maroilles, a very distinct cheese from the North. If by any chance you are in Lille the first weekend of September, you won't miss the Braderie de Lille, the biggest flea market in Europe, with more than two million people bargaining in the streets.

 Place aux oignons, in Vieux-Lille

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