Lille by Eurostar

Lille is more than the world-class museums, national theatre and ballet company. More than the serious shopping, the good food, great beers and locally distilled genièvre. What keeps the atmosphere bubbling is the people, warm and genuine. It was deservedly chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2004.

Step into the place du Gènèral de Gaulle, a vibrant square of stunning historical buildings sat at the heart of the city. In the Bois de Boulogne (the cities famous park), jog around the majestic Citadelle (a vast fortress) finding Louis XIV's chosen route into town. Tread the streets of Vieux Lille, winding cobbles with enchanting linen and antique shops.

Lille works her magic whatever the season and whatever the weather; from the morning in spring when the city awakens to find its pavements and squares carpeted in a thousand blooms, to the rain glistening on polished cobbles, the glint of sunlight on the gilded roofs of the Grand' Place (main square within the city) and the alchemy that turns the grey skies of winter into breathtaking illuminations for the basement galleries of the Palais des Beaux-Arts.