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TO BUY HERE


Excellent transport links both within the city and beyond


with plenty to keep you entertained


Eclectic architecture and plenty of green spaces


is one reason it has such a diversity of cultural off ers.” Suzanne is professor


of British Literature and Civilization at Lille Catholic University, and moved to the city from the Ardèche in the south of France. “I much prefer the north. The weather is similar to London, where I spent my childhood and I fi nd the people here so friendly. “I speak French at work and


The Grand Place’s illuminated café terraces are great for


people-watching in the evening


year they moved from Fives, two metro stops east of Lille Flandres station, to Mons- en-Barœul, which is within walking distance of the city’s other mainline station and Eurostar terminal, Lille Europe. Suzanne says: “The city has


loads going on, with theatres, exhibitions and concerts that are all either free or not drastically expensive. There are great museums and art galleries and it’s a good place for eating out. The large student population, of over 100,000,


Lille’s Citadel, built 1667-1670, is considered to be one of Vauban’s most notable


Marseille is less than fi ve hours away by high-speed train. After my exploration of


Lille, I was ready for some sustenance. I couldn’t resist the Meert Tea Room. Founded in 1677, it is still producing exquisitely delicious cakes that look more like works of art, and the lemon meringue I had was delicious. Then there’s the beer. This part of France is known for its breweries, and more small-scale production is on the increase with delicious results. Motte-Cordonnier in Armentières, just half an hour


by train from the centre of Lille, has a number of rich beers to try, including René, a pale ale named for the current owners’ grandfather. What better way could there be to end my visit than to sit in the Grand Place, with a glass of beer in hand and watch the world go by?


UNIVERSITY LIFE Lille resident Suzanne Bray says that access to high-quality, reasonably priced culture is one of the city’s main draws. She and husband Martin have lived here for 30 years and last


my colleagues come from all over the world. I’m involved with an English-speaking church in the city and the same is true: I meet people from all over the world who prefer to attend services in English. “If you’re thinking of


moving here and don’t speak French though, this is the ideal place to learn as there are a number of good language courses available throughout the city. There are also plenty of opportunities for teaching English if you are looking for part-time work. “We were living in a 1930s


house, which is the term used here for typical Lille three- storey houses whatever the 4


Vibrant cultural life 3 REASONS


Enjoy local beer in one of the many bars, or browsing market stalls in the old town FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 202365


©CRTC HAUTS-DE-FRANCE BENOIT GUILLEUX/FREDERIK ASTIER


©SARAH DALY


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