A city of art and history, Lille, the fourth-largest in France, has become an international economic crossroads between Brussels, London and Paris. European Capital of Culture in 2004, Lille is also the capital of the North of France and is fast becoming a popular tourist destination on the strength of its unique heritage and renowned cultural life.
Lille owes its name to the old French "L'Isle" or in Flemish "Ryssel", the island on the river Deûle where the original city was built. The legend of the two giants who founded it, Lydéric victorious over Phinaert, is still commemorated in Lille's festivities. A well known industrial centre in the 19th and 20th centuries for its textiles and metalwork, the capital of the North has succeeded in moving into the services sector to recover its position as a great European city, particularly through the creation of a Eurometropole of nearly two million inhabitants in conjunction with Koertijk and Tournai. With its renowned university and modern business area in the new Euralille district, this beautiful Flanders city is once again a great international commercial centre.
Lille is much more than the capital of the Ch'tis (local dialect of the people of the North)... Its belfries, in particular that of the town hall which is 104 metres high, are a reminder of the regional identity of a town which does not fear progress. The city was European Capital of Culture in 2004 and was host to creations such as the maisons folies or the giant tulips of Japanese creator Yayoi Kusama. Of course, the statue of Alexandre Desrousseaux, composer of the P'tit Quinquin (a lullaby in the local dialect) has pride of place in Foch Square but Lille is also at the cutting edge of culture with the Europe XXL event, the Lille National Orchestra, known around the world, and a unique carnival of giants. Finally, the traditional street market held every September expresses all the warmth of the people of the North and attracts almost 2 million visitors and mussels-and-chips fans each year. Lille may be changing but it is not turning its back on its values...
For a comprehensive guide to this destination, visit lilletourism.com