Located in French Flanders, the largest city in that area, Lille is in the north of France close to the border with Belgium. The city was voted European Capital of Culture in 2004 and, as such, it has a strong cultural background, with first records of its history dating back to 1066.
If you're looking to explore the city or wider region, renting a car in Lille is one of the best ways to get around with a total of five highways that take you from the city to Paris, Germany, England, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Prefer to explore the city? A first stop for all visitors should be the Citadel of Lille, which is also known locally as the Queen of the Citadels. For history fans, this should definitely be on the list to visit, along with Lille Cathedral, which is also a National Monument of France. Fans of architecture may wish to hire a car in Lille to explore the more residential neighbourhoods, as these tend to feature homes with a Flemish influence thanks to neighbouring Belgium. Another must-see attraction is the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille which is the largest museum in France outside of Paris.
