As we mentioned two weeks ago, we took the train on our most recent visit to the UK. We deliberately chose to avoid changing trains in Paris because we have not yet mastered the fiendish intricacies of the Metro, which will probably swallow entire Olympic teams forever in the summer. Instead we skirted Paris and changed for the Eurostar at Lille. The only problem with this carefully constructed route was on the way back when we had to spend nearly 8 hours in Lille. Neither of us were terribly looking forward to this, having visions of a bleak coalfield town gutted by war and deindustrialisation. Lille, we owe you an apology!
It turns out to be an utterly charming town with very distinctive architecture which all the textbooks describe as Flemish. There are lots of high, thin buildings, cobbled streets, large squares and a quiet air of comfortable prosperity.
It’s also very lively, full of students and artistic ventures. We were very happy to wander around for most of the day and don’t mind doing it again. But if you do get the chance, don’t miss Lille, the centre at least is full of charm.
Chris and Alison's blog 
I was in Lille in 2014 and loved it!
Thanks for the tip about Lille!
Definitely looks worth a visit !!
Yes yes, lovely and all – but may we call it Lillo, in some faux Provençal accent? (I love the south!)
It’s definitely north, not south!!
I knew. A pity, though!