WINNER: Best Guidebook of the Year (British Guild of Travel Writers) New from Bradt is the thoroughly updated fifth edition of Lille, the award-winning and critically acclaimed guidebook to this exciting, ever-changing and easily accessible city in Hauts-de-France - the ultimate destination for a city break. Lille's architecture blends the 16th-century cobbled streets typical of old Flanders and the imposing fortress and parks of Louis XIV's France with converted former factories now serving as modern cultural venues. Here history refuses to stand still, and the city has not stopped finding new ways to celebrate its traditions, routinely toasting contemporary innovations. One of France's leading centres for gastronomy, Lille constantly re-invents itself with ever more exciting places to eat - whether you share a sandwich with artists in a former post office building or seek out tomorrow's Michelin-starred chefs - plus new places to explore, relax and stay. Being elected European Capital of Culture in 2004 led to Lille becoming one of France's most cultural and artistic cities - and arguably its party capital too. With Bradt's Lille, dance a Sunday-night tango with strangers in a Renaissance cloister, or order onion soup at dawn. You can admire France's best art collection outside Paris, attend a biennial international arts festival or head for the amazing museums and sites in nearby towns, linked by an excellent metro and tram network. Alternatively, you might go shopping in Lille's famous discount designer stores or at its legendary kerbside flea markets. Or venture beyond the city to discover the patchwork of history that characterises northern France, from Henry V's battle of Agincourt to World War I trenches and the beaches of Dunkirk. New elements of this edition include a special feature on the Lille3000 international arts festival; coverage of self-drive possibilities, food festivals, World War tourist destinations, and both new and expanded museums and art galleries; and updated or wholly new reviews of the best places to eat, drink and stay (the latter now including self-catering options). With easy Eurostar access from the UK (plus high-speed train links from other French cities, and Brussels), Lille is the perfect short-haul getaway - with Bradt's Lille guidebook the consummate companion.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements Preface How to use this guide Chapter 1 Contexts Introduction to the city, History, Modern Lille, The future Chapter 2 Planning Suggested itineraries, Tourist information, Red tape, Time, Getting there and away, Travelling with pets, Health, What to take, Money and budgeting Chapter 3 Lille for Visitors with Limited Mobility Planning a trip, Getting there and away, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Nightlife, Museums and sites Chapter 4 Practicalities The city: a practical overview, Tourist office, Consulates, Banks and money matters, Communications, Worship, Travelling with children Chapter 5 Local Transport Métro, trams and buses, Tour bus, Airport transfers, Taxis, Car hire, Cycling and Segways Chapter 6 Accommodation Hotels, Self-catering, Hostels, Bed and breakfast Chapter 7 Eating and Drinking Budgeting, Opening hours, Where to eat and drink, Bistros and estaminets, Brasseries, Restaurants, Wine bars, Food courts and street food, Bars, cafés and tea rooms, Burgers, Vegetarian and vegan Chapter 8 Nightlife and Entertainment Theatre, Cabaret and casino, Cinema, Music and dance, Clubs, LGBTQIA+ venues, Leave the country Chapter 9 Shopping Opening hours , Accessories, Books, Clothes, Cosmetics and perfume, Crafts, Florists, Food and wine, Gifts, Home, Home entertainment/music, Jewellery., Markets, Pharmacies/chemists, Supermarkets/department stores, Under one roof Chapter 10 Walking Tour The walk Chapter 11 Museums and Sightseeing Prices and opening hours, The unmissables, Museums and galleries, Sites and monuments, Churches, Other arts and cultural venues, Maisons Folies, Parks and gardens Chapter 12 Beyond the City Roubaix, Tourcoing, Villeneuve d'Ascq, Wambrechies, Bondues, Marcq-en-Baroeul, Wattrelos, Beyond the Métropole, Hiking and biking Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Further Information Index