Lille

Lille's most iconic landmark towers 104 metres high, an extravagant belfry that offers up sweeping views over the city. Before you head to this World Heritage-listed building, make sure you take the time to admire the works of art on display in the city hall. This belfry isn't the only one you'll find in Lille: you can also head over to the chamber of commerce and industry for another fine example of its kind.

There's no diving allowed here, although you're welcome to delve into some art. The Piscine de Roubaix was once home to public baths, but is now a museum of art and industry, home to a staggering collection of textiles, sculptures, paintings and ceramics. The building alone is worth a visit, being as it is a spectacular example of Art Déco craftsmanship.

Just 10 kilometres outside of Lille lies a villa with a twist. The Villa Cavrois in the town of Croix was designed by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens and is a piece of early-20th-century mastery. Its sweeping bay windows, cutting-edge technology, terraces and streamlined décor combine to make it a sumptuous example of modernist style at its best.

Head over to the Gare Saint-Sauveur train station, not to catch a train, but to soak up the sights and sounds of the shows, concerts, festivals, contemporary art exhibitions and bistro that await here. This former freight station is now a cultural hub, a vibrant, bustling place to spend a fun night out in Lille.

On the fringes of the city centre lies the neighbourhood of Wazemmes and its colourful market. This is one of France's biggest markets, attracting visitors in their droves. Wander the stalls on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday mornings before kicking back to enjoy a waffle and beer. The covered market is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

It would be a crime to leave Lille without trying the city's iconic carbonnade. Beef, gingerbread, beer, herbs, onions and a dash of mustard are left to simmer for two hours to create the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth stew. Like many northern French dishes, carbonnade is served with chips.

Let's get one thing straight: the Belgians aren't the only ones to make epic waffles. Lille makes for tough competition in the field. Flat and oval-shaped, northern French waffles feature a brown sugar filling and are sometimes flavoured with vanilla. Word has it that Meert makes the best ones!