Paris Day Trip: Lille

The city of Lille is known not only in France but also in Europe for its traditional braderie in early September, the biggest flea market in Europe, which attracts nearly two million visitors each year. It’s a big event which marks the end of summer and the beginning of the school year, when friends get together to celebrate before going back to school or work. And the city’s only an hour away from Paris by train, so why not take a quick trip to explore more of France and enjoy a unique experience.

The stalls of the vide-greniers and brocanteurs are spread throughout the city center and in Vieux-Lille, the old part of the city which dates back to the Middle Ages, selling second-hand furniture, home décor, and clothing at very affordable prices.

Once you’ve found the rare pearl, you can sit on one of the many terraces to taste the traditional mussels and chips, accompanied by beers from the North of France or Belgium, or white wine.

What else to do in Lille

But the Braderie isn’t the only reason to visit Lille. The city and its suburbs are also home to several interesting museums, such as the Palais des Beaux-Arts (in Lille), the Lam (modern art museum in Villeneuve-d’Ascq), the Piscine (in Roubaix), and the Muba Eugène-Leroy (in Tourcoing), to name but a few.

Every two years or so, a major cultural and artistic event organised by Lille 3000 brings numerous exhibitions, art installations, and shows to the metropolitan area. This year’s event, Utopia, sees international artists questioning the relationship between man and nature. Utopia runs through Sunday, October 2. All the details of the event can be found here.

Ready to visit?

All that’s left is to book your train tickets!