PAOK faces Lille in France on Thursday (23/10) for the third matchday of the League Phase of the Europa League. We have gathered everything worth seeing in the city even if you do not have much time to spare.
Lille, capital of the Hauts-de-France region in France, lies on the border with Belgium and blends Flemish architecture with French aesthetics. Its historic center is picturesque and lively, with impressive buildings, modern neighborhoods and a vibrant student life. Lille is ideal for a short trip, especially in the autumn months. If you find yourself there for the Lille-PAOK match, taking place on 23 October at the Pierre Mauroy stadium, you will have plenty to see and do even if you do not have days to spare.
Stroll through Lilles Old Town
The Old Town (Vieux-Lille) is the most enchanting part of Lille. With its narrow cobbled streets, colorful buildings with Flemish architecture and small boutiques, it feels like a scene from another era. Here you will encounter the Grand Place, the square at the heart of the city, where the Vieille Bourse dominates. The striking building is the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange with an inner courtyard that serves as a meeting place for booksellers and more.
Next to the square you will find one of the citys most characteristic buildings, the Palais Rihour built in the 15th century by the Dukes of Burgundy and one of the few surviving examples of Flemish Gothic architecture. Today, it houses Lilles tourist office. Very close by is the Cathedral of Lille (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de la Treille), as well as the Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle, the house where the famous French general and president Charles de Gaulle was born, which houses period objects and personal memorabilia.
Visit the citys museums
It is worth visiting the citys museums if you have a little extra time on your hands. The Palais des Beaux-Arts is one of Frances most important art museums - after the Louvre - and its collections include works by great painters such as Rembrandt and Delacroix. In the Old Town, the vividly colored building of the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse stands out, a museum housed in an old 15th-century hospital. It was founded in 1237 within the grounds of the palace of Countess Joan of Flanders and houses artworks, furniture and utensils that tell the story of Lille through the centuries.
Admire the view from above
The most emblematic spot to enjoy Lille from above is the Beffroi de l’Hôtel de Ville (City Hall Belfry). The impressive belfry is 104 meters high, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers 360° views over the city and the surrounding plain. You can go up by elevator or, if you are more daring, via the staircase with 415 steps. At the top a magical picture awaits you with the tiled rooftops of the Old Town, the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in the distance and, if the weather is good, even the Flanders countryside. The spot is ideal for taking photos.
Take a stroll in the Citadelle de Lille
It is worth finding a little time to visit the Citadelle de Lille, the largest green space in the city. It is a huge 17th-century fortress designed for Louis XIV and surrounded by a lush park, ideal for walking and cycling. In essence, the fortress is the Acropolis of Lille and is also called «Queen of citadels» for its remarkable architecture and size.
Try the local cuisine
In the Old Town you will taste authentic French flavors, mainly on Rue de Gand and Rue de la Mοnnaie, as they are full of small restaurants serving local cuisine. The estaminets, as they are called, are the authentic restaurants of Northern France with a warm atmosphere and traditional decor. Do not miss the local specialties, from carbonnade flamande (Flemish stew) to tarte au maroilles (cheese tart) and pair them with beers. All around, among the boutiques and shops, you will also come across traditional patisseries, such as the historic Méert, for dessert and coffee. Try traditional flan, waffles, millefeuille and tarts.
