If it’s your first time driving in France, you’ll discover an extensive road network with the option to get about on motorways or on quieter, more meandering country roads. You’ll be driving on the right, overtaking on the left and speed limits are displayed in kilometres per hour.

Motorways have a maximum speed of 130kph, on urban motorways there’s a limit of 110kph and 50kph in built-up areas - be aware that speed limits drop in wet weather. All occupants of the car must wear seat belts, and it’s recommended that you use dipped headlight at all times of day or night.

One of the great benefits of driving in Lille is the plethora of places you can visit nearby. You’re only a short drive from Lens (south-west on the N41 then south on the N47), while Dunkirk lies on the north coast via the A25 and N225. If you plan on crossing the border into Belgium, you’ll find historic Ypres (north-west starting on the A25), while driving north-east on the A22 and then the E17 leads to Ghent, an incredibly pretty medieval city.

The centre of Lille is quite compact and free parking can be scarce. It’s advisable to use one of the many parking garages situated near metro stations, or park in the suburbs and proceed on foot. The D750 isn’t a complete ring road, but does run from the south-east of the city centre to the north-west, taking in many of the main attractions, including the excellent zoo. You’ll also find lots of see along Rue Nationale, Boulevard de la Liberte and Rue Solferino.

Lille, with its famously friendly population, fascinating old town, Flemish feel and brilliant shopping area, is a fabulous place for a short city break. You’ll find art both contemporary and classic, a unique French-Belgian melange of culture and the very warmest of welcomes.

A city of the arts

There are a number of top arts destinations in Lille. Make the neoclassical Opéra de Lille your first stop. The opera house, which was originally erected in 1788, burnt down in a devastating fire in 1903. Leading architect of his day Louis Cordonnier rebuilt the important building in the Louis XVI style, and it was reopened. The exterior, with its sumptuous stonework and grand façade is well worth a look, and tours of the interior are sometimes offered too. 

If you’re a contemporary art fan, make your way to the LaM, or, to give this venue its full title, the Lille Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, Contemporary Art and Art brut. Here you will find an incredible 4,500 artworks housed in a space covering some 4,000 square meters. Famously, this is the only museum in Northern Europe to hold examples of all the main movements of both 20th and 21st century art. There’s a sculpture park, and works from Picasso, Miro and Modigliani. For more art history, the Palais des Beaux-Arts is home to a 2^nd century mummy, Donatello’s 15^th century Feast of Herod and amazing pieces from Goya, Monet, Delacroix, Rodin and Rubens.

As well as a penchant for great art, Lille also has a love of world cinema. There are around 30 cinemas in the city covering all bases, from the alternative and intimate, to the commercial and large-scale screens where blockbusters are the order of the day.

The historical centre

Lille’s historic centre, Place du Général de Gaulle, is a source of some pride among local people. Dating back to the 11th century, the square at its heart was originally built as a wheat market.

Take time to appreciate the stunning Vieille Bourse, originally built as the city’s stock exchange in 1653. Erected in part to help the bankers and traders stay out of the cold, the Vieille Bourse is a majestic quadrangle of interconnected properties and an expansive central courtyard. Each building is decorated elaborately as per the fashions of the Renaissance period. Now, the buildings have been transformed into book shops, cafés and florists.

You’ll also discover the Citadelle – a giant, star-shaped fortress from the 17^th century. It’s still in use, and houses the Nato Rapid Reaction Corps.

A Lille of what you fancy

It’s border location means that Lille gets the best of both French and Belgian cuisines, along with Flemish specialties. Yes, you can get the brasserie classics of steak frites and moules et frites everywhere, but you’ll also find beef carbonnade, lots of stews and waterzooi, which is fish cooked in cream. There are high-end options throughout Lille, but an affordable and always popular hangout is L’assiette du Marche on Rue de la Monnaie.

A small city with a lot to give, its charms are quickly discovered with car hire in Lille.