In a few words...
Describing Lille in 50, 150, 500, or 1,000 words
Lille in 50 words :
Located in the North of France, Lille is an incredibly accessible city. Found at the heart of Europe,
the city is 80 minutes from London, 60 minutes from Paris, and 38 minutes from Brussels by train. Lille is home
to the first European convention bureau to receive the DMAI accreditation.
In Europe, Lille has the smallest carbon footprint.
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Lille in 150 words :
Situated in the North of France, Lille is a mere 80 minutes from London, 60 minutes from Paris, and 38 minutes from Brussels by train. Both culturally and geographically speaking, the city is located at a veritable crossroads. Reaching Lille is easy, thanks to two nearby airports: Lille-Lesquin (20 minutes from the city center) and Paris’ Charles de Gaulle, which is located only 50 minutes away by train.
Lille is the youngest city in France—36% of its population is under 25 years old—and demonstrates its youthfulness through innovation and a dynamic energy. Business and economic development aside, Lille also is a city rich in art and history. In 2004, Lille was named European capital of culture.
Ecologically speaking, the city’s carbon footprint is the smallest in Europe. And Lille is proud to be the first European city with a convention bureau accredited DMAI.
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Lille in 500 words :
Situated in the North of France, Lille—by train—is only 80 minutes from London, 60 minutes from Paris, and 38 minutes from Brussels. The city is at the heart of Europe, both geographically and culturally. Lille is accessible from countless international destinations thanks to the Lille-Lesquin airport, which is 20 minutes from the city center, and Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport, which can be reached in 50 minutes from Lille by train.
Lille today is an industry leader, with 5 competitive clusters in the metropolitan area in the following sectors: nutrition health and longevity, transportation, commerce, textiles, and domestic materials.
Lille is proud of the city’s architectural history. Today, many of Lille’s once abandoned buildings have been renovated to take on a second life, keeping a part of the city’s past, while demonstrating its creativity and desire to innovate.
Being the youngest metropolitan area in France (36 percent of the population is under 25) makes this need for both change and energy understandable. One of the best examples of the region’s liveliness is its love for festivities. Year around, the year is brimming with activity and excitement, beginning with Lille’s annual antique and flea market in September. Whether it is a cultural event or simply meeting friends for a beer, there’s always a good reason to celebrate. And in the North of France, this means tourists and locals alike as the region has a reputation of welcoming visitors with open arms.
Far from being stuck in a traditional Flemish rut, the city is forward thinking in the arts and in fashion, creating and scheduling ambitious cultural events. In 2004, Lille was named European capital of culture and on the heels of the celebration’s immense success came Lille 3000, which celebrated India in 2006 and the countries of Central Europe in 2009 (Europe XXL).
Sustainable development is at the top of Lille’s agenda, and this dedication has paid off. A study conducted by Ernst & Young—and communicated by the Lille Metropole Development Agency in November 2008—found Lille’s businesses to be the “greenest” in Europe. The Nord-Pas de Calais region has long understood the value of caring for the environment, and in turn its inhabitants. The region has made it a mission to respect the needs of the environment, without sacrificing economic development or the interests of its population. Today Lille is a leader in the field of sustainable development, and has proven its commitment through concrete actions and solid results. In January 2004, the region adopted the “Agenda 21,” defining and promoting sustainable development, becoming the first region in France to do so.
Another first—this time in Europe—is the Lille Convention Bureau’s receiving the DMAP accreditation (Destination Marketing Accreditation Program). The accreditation is evidence of the Convention Bureau’s dedication and commitment to delivering clients outstanding service based on international standards and benchmarks in the field.
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Lille in 1000 words :
Lille, capital of France’s Nord-Pas de Calais region, is extremely well-positioned in Europe, located 80 minutes from London, 60 minutes from Paris, and 38 minutes from Brussels by train. The city is at the heart of a European crossroads, both culturally and geographically.
Reaching Lille from international destinations is incredibly easy, with two airports located less than an hour from the city center: Lille-Lesquin (20 minutes) and Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (50 minutes by train). The one problem with coming to Lille is that the city seems to captivate and enchant visitors and they find it hard to leave.
Trade and commerce have been defining parts of the city’s economy from its beginnings. And in the 16th century, Lille became known for its manufacturing. Today, Lille is a large and important industrial capital, recognized and respected on an international level. The Greater Lille area’s economy is boosted thanks to the presence of five competitive clusters in the fields of nutrition health and longevity, transportation, commerce, textiles, and domestic materials.
In the 1960s, Lille began an impressive process of transformation and renovation, turning the city into the innovative, surprising and energetic place that it is today. Former mills, brasseries, and factories have been renovated and today act as symbols of Lille’s past, illustrating the city’s innovative and creative spirit.
Innovation and creativity seem only natural in a city where 36 percent of the population is under 25 years old. The youngest metropolitan area in France, Lille is energetic, imaginative and modern. And of course, having the youngest population in France means having plenty of outlets for fun. Regardless of the season, festivals and cultural celebrations abound. From the annual flea and antique market in September that overtakes Lille for one weekend to carnivals, concerts or simply sharing a cold beer with friends, there is no shortage of ways to be entertained. Here in Lille, you’ll find unpretentious people who welcome you with open arms, and a touch of classic French elegance.
Lille’s countless cultural and artistic initiatives are ambitious and forward thinking, leaving no doubt that the city is far from being uninspired and locked in tradition! Voted European capital of culture in 2004, the city came alive and experienced a surge of creative energy, inspiring the launch of Lille 3000, an eclectic cultural celebration organized by the Lille 2004 team every two years. Lille 3000 explores different cultures through a wide variety of contemporary art forms and exhibits, aspiring to reach the widest audience possible. Lille 3000 was first launched on October 14th, 2006 with the theme “Bombayers de Lille,” which celebrated India. For three months, the city and region held 450 events, from music, cinema, and theater to dance, exhibitions, and diverse gatherings, attracting over 1 million visitors. And on March 14th, 2009, Lille 3000 opened “Europe XXL.” In homage of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the 3-month long event devoted its festivities to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, with roughly 500 events and 50 exhibits.
Sustainable development is a top priority in Lille, as witnessed by the city’s businesses having the lowest carbon footprint in Europe. In November 2008, a study was carried out by Ernst & Young and released by the Lille Metropole Development Agency, finding Lille’s businesses to have the lowest CO2 emissions out of the following cities: Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, London and Cologne.
Sustainable development is not only a priority in Greater Lille, but also the Nord-Pas de Calais region, where taking responsibility for the environment is a seen as a crucial key to a healthy future. A region known for its industrialization—both a source of wealth and of environmental concerns—has seen both man and nature suffer because of years of unsustainable development. The Nord-Pas de Calais has had to be particularly creative and motivated to move in a direction favoring sustainable development, as industrial work defines the region. Encouraging economic development, without compromising the health of the environment is now the main concern.
The Nord-Pas de Calais’ commitment to sustainable development became evident years ago, as the region created France’s first regional natural park. Further projects in the field of sustainable development include: ethical banking, regionally managed international cooperation policies, rail development, (including a competitive cluster dedicated to rail transport), renovation of abandoned industrial sites, and construction according to high environmental quality standards. Today the region’s expertise and knowledge in the field of sustainable development is uncontested.
Since 2000, the region has used strategies to favor sustainable development. And with the goal of making sustainable development a top-priority, the region has helped local companies, universities, organizations, etc. to adopt and follow sustainable development principles, and to make sustainable development a popular and accepted idea by all. In January 2004, the region became the first in France to adopt the “Agenda 21.”
On December 10th, 2008, the Lille Convention Bureau became the first European convention bureau to become an accredited DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) by the DMAI (Destination Marketing Association International). This internationally-recognized accreditation (DMAP) is awarded to tourist offices and convention bureaus meeting specific standards concerning structure, financing, marketing and promotional tools, with the ultimate goal of being able to self-evaluate and to offer clients top-notch service.
The Destination Marketing Accreditation Program evaluates the professional credibility of a destination so that it may become the most respected and competitive in its field. Being certified DMAP means having a system of defined standards and assessment means, and the trust of its clients and future clients. Today, the DMAP is the only existing accreditation program for tourist offices and convention bureaus.
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