About Lille.

Lille, was founded in the 11th century by Count of Flanders, Baldwin V. Through the centuries it has been an epicenter of the creation of textiles and laces while also experiencing war and occupation throug multiple wars. Today the Lille European Metropole is the 5th largest city in France. She hosts over 120,000 university students and is a thriving hub for business, art and sport. It’s a beautiful green and diverse city strategically located; she is considered an international crossroads to all of Europe.

12 things we love about Lille.

  • 1# Location, Location, Location

    Lille is truly the crossroads to Europe. You can be to Paris, London, and Brussels by train in about one hour.

  • 2# It's walkable

    Lille was made to be seen by foot. Broad boulevards, parcs, and meandering streets full of life is best seen on foot (or bike).

  • 3# Students

    Home several prestigious universities and campuses, Lille hosts over 120,000 students. There is always something going on any given night in Lille.

  • 4# International

    12% of people living in Lille originate from outside of France. Also, thanks to the Eramus+ program Lille is a cultural melting pot. In our own church you can people from countries all over the world.

  • 5# Business

    Lille is home to many local and international businesses. Lille Metropole is home to the 2nd highest number of international company headquarters in France. Decathlon, the French giant sporting brand was founded and launched here in Lille.

  • 6# Art

    Lille is bursting with museums, galleries, street art and more. Places like La Piscine (seen above) grace the city.

  • 7# Green City

    Lille is a beautiful city but you can find green spaces all over. The l Citadel park is a massive area that surrounds The Citadel a UNESCO world heritage location and functioning military base. Canals and parks are scattered throughout Lille.

  • 8# Historic Sweets

    Ask anyone in the north of France, the oldest ongoing candy maker is Maison Méert. It’s been operating under that name since 1849, but the location has been constantly selling sweets since 1746!

  • 9# Birthplace of CDG

    General, freedom fighter, and president of France. Charles de Gaulle was born right here in Lille. You can still visit his childhood home of Charles de Gaulle in Vieux-Lille.

  • 10# Sport

    Lille hosts some of the biggest sporting events in France at Stade Pierre Mauroy. It also is home to LOSC, our Ligue 1 football team. But if you like rugby, volleyball, and handball you can find it here.

  • 11# A Welcoming City

    The Lilloise are some of the friendliest people in all of France! Travelers, tourists, and new arrivals will find the north to be a welcoming and open people.

  • 12# La Braderie

    Every September for one weekend, over 2 million visitors descend on Lille in search of treasure. With over 5,000 vendors you can find almost anything. The biggest flea market in all Europe, come for the bargins, stay for the moules frites.

Lille is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region in the north of France. It rests on the border with Belgium. Today she is a culture center filled with vibrancy.