Lille

The capital of Hauts-de-France, Lille is a magnificent city in northern France. Its historic roots are evident everywhere, from the old town’s Flemish architecture to the 19th-century Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille museum of art. Thousands of students reside in Lille, and its nightlife is vibrant—pedestrian-friendly roads are lined with pubs, microbreweries, and live music venues.

Lille is also host to a grand flea market, Braderie de Lille. Millions flock to the annual event to visit street stalls hawking everything from furniture to artwork. While there, indulge in a plate of moules-frites, Lille’s signature dish of mussels and fries.