A rather lovely side step

After Luxembourg, we had to decide where to for a few days?  We thought maybe Rheims, but without a car we'd probably just be bussing around all day, plus we can always buy Champagne anywhere.  Tours was an option, but it turned out to be very expensive.

So, quickly crowd sourcing the options, we decided on a few days in Lille.  

The beautiful city of Lille

We were a little concerned in the approach - it appeared to be more of a transport hub than a destination, and it has more of an industrial history.  However we were pleasantly surprised.  From the moment you leave the station, you see amazing sculptural art work on the streets, which are clean and fresh, especially in the autumn crispness.

We were lucky enough to arrive in the middle of their arts fest - Fantastic - so there were a lot of great things to see.  We managed to go and see quite a few art galleries - Tripostal, the Palais des Beaux Arts, the Maison Folies, the Musee de Hospice Comtesse, all with some absolutely fantastic works.  If you can get to this city before February, I'd higly recommend popping by.  Plus they have some impressive art work on display just around the streets.

Yes, that is an upside down house.

On top of this, we had some really delicious food, and the old town was truly spectacular - an interesting mix of modern and ancient.  I'd also highly recommend this small city for shopping - it has some great little boutique stores.  It's an easy place to get to - an hour outside of Paris by train on the TGV.

So yes, highly recommend a stop in Lovely Lille.