Lille European City of Culture 2004

On Sundays you can climb the first 100 steps and then take a lift to admire 50 Km panoramic views.
Before you leave Lille you may wish to visit Charles-de- Gaullés Museum and Birthplace where various items once belonging to him are exhibited including the Citroen car from the attempt on his life in 1962.
The Fortifications built by Vauban from 1667 to 1670 are still occupied by the Army but can be viewed on guided tours arranged via the Tourist Office.

Eating Out
As Eurapart is primarily a budget travel site, you will not usually find me in an expensive restaurant. If you are on a budget,there is plenty of choice. My preferred budget restaurant is Flunch. The food is cafeteria type but it is healthy, (mainly low fat with as much vegetables as you like). Above all it is very cheap. A meal with a small bottle of wine can be had for around 15€. There are two Flunch restaurants in the centre. One by the Gare Lille Flandres and the other up the main shopping street. If your tastes are for hamburgers then there are McDonalds and Quick establishments near the centre.

For a few Euros more you can sample some local dishes and beer at Les Trois Brasseurs at 22, Place de la Gare (by Gare Lille Flandres). Here you can sample Lillois specialities such as Flammekeuche. It has its own microbrewery which serves up enormous jugs of wonderful beer!

Alternatively try La Cloche a brasserie in the shadow of the Operá, which again serves up local; specialities such as rabbit with prunes, beef in beer, oysters and smoked eels.

If you are looking for a Michelin starred restaurant then head for A L'Huitière. This Art Deco restaurant with its chandeliers and gilded mirrors is renowned for its seafood such as clams and oysters.

During the Braderie the eating establishments serve up Moules et Frites (Mussels and chips). The empty mussel shells are tipped outside in the street to form huge piles.