Lille is welcoming
A metropolitan area, on a human scale
1Lille—home to 1.2 million people—is the capital of France’s Nord-Pas de Calais region, which has a population of 4 million. 36 % of Lille’s population is under 25 years old, making it the youngest metropolitan area in France.
The Lille Metropolitan Urban Community is comprised of 85 administrative districts.
www.lillemetropole.fr
www.nordpasdecalais.fr
Lille means fun
Northerners are proud to uphold their reputation of being a party-loving region! Regardless of the season, there is always a reason to kick back and enjoy good times. The city swings into high gear in September with the city’s annual braderie (antique and flea market), which overtakes the town. From colorful carnivals to the international soup festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2010, to the accordion festival and numerous other celebrations, concerts, and shows, Lille proves that it’s a city that knows how have fun.
For more info :
Agenda Lille métropole
www.lillelanuit.fr
A shopaholic’s dream
Lille and its surrounding region have a rich history in trade and commerce and shopkeepers today keep this tradition alive. Shopping is convivial and lively here, reflecting the character of the region. And with such a wide-range of styles and shops, there’s a little something for every taste, budget and whim...
In the Vieux Lille (Old Town), shoppers looking for upscale and luxury goods will be in heaven. Along quaint cobblestone streets, lined with historical Flemish houses, you will find everything from luxury clothing, handbags and watches to trendy designers’ boutiques, art galleries and antique shops.
Near Lille's Grand'Place (Main square), shoppers can stroll along the pedestrian streets, finding popular clothing stores, and the department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. You’ll also find the Furet du Nord, one of Europe’s largest bookstores.
In Lille’s thriving business district, one-stop shoppers will find everything under one roof at Euralille, the district’s eponymous shopping center. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, Euralille has over 100 shops from which to choose.
If discovering the city’s local color is more your cup of tea, try checking out the sights and smells of the Wazemmes neighborhood. Guaranteed to transport you to North Africa, Asia, and beyond, the Sunday morning market is a must-see. (Metro line 1, Stop: Gambetta)
In Lille Sud (South) and Roubaix, the Faubourg des Modes (Design district) are neighborhoods with clothing boutiques from young designers, sponsored by designer Agnès B.
And finally, bargain hunters will be sure to find plenty of deals at Mac Arthur Glen and A l'Usine, two factory outlets located next to Lille in Roubaix.
Sports of all sorts
The Lille Metropolitan area is home to 300 club sport teams, 97 tennis clubs, 8 golf courses, 34 horse-training centers and a horseracing track.
Competitive sports teams in the area shine: the LOSC for soccer, the Tourcoing Lille Métropole in volleyball, the ESBVA-LM for women’s basketball, the Vélo Club Roubaix Lille Métropole en cyclisme for cycling.
The Lille University Club (LUC) has 10,000 active members, including 14 French champions, 29 regional champions, and 50 nationally and internationally selected teams or athletes.
For more information :
www.lillemetropole.fr