Vacation rentals in Lille
Lille is one of France's largest cities, but it often finds itself neglected due to its location in the north. Northern France has a reputation for being dull and dreary, and while Lille certainly doesn't boast the Mediterranean climate of its neighbors to the south, the frank kindness of its locals and its gorgeous northern architecture make a vacation rental in Lille a fantastic investment for a holiday.
Historical Lille
Lille's history is apparent in the modern city. Be sure to pay a visit to the 17th century Vauban's citadelle, said to be one of the strongest in France. You can also explore some of the old fortifications of the Old City including the Porte de Roubaix and the Porte de Paris. Vacation homes in Lille with views of these fortifications offer a real treat. Don't miss the Museum of the Cannoniers for more information about the military history of Lille. If you like, you can also take a day trip or overnight from Lille to learn more about military maneuvers in this region, with tours of Fromelles or Messines, both home to important historical battles of World War I.
Architecture in Lille
Given its location not far from Belgium, Lille offers a unique blend of architecture. A historical industrial center, Lille boasts a great deal of repurposed industrial buildings and monuments. Explore the Old Center or Vieux-Lille, a fantastic locale for apartment rentals in Lille, to get to know this unique flavor. You'll find 17th and 18th century townhouses as well as the typical narrow streets of many French cities. La Grande Place is a good place to start, both for orienting yourself and due to the beautiful buildings that surround it, including the 17th century Vieille Bourse building, which is the old stock exchange and has now been converted into a series of shops under the beautiful arcades. Throughout Lille, as in other northern cities, you'll find belfries at the tops of buildings. These are not religious in nature, and many of them can be climbed for a view of the city from above. When choosing your accommodations, seek out house rentals in the unique northern style, for a true taste of nice.
Food in Lille
Apartment rentals in Lille are the perfect excuse to sample some northern cooking, relatively unknown throughout the rest of France. Whereas most of France is famous for its wine, Lille and the north are better known for beer. Here, you'll find dishes like carbonnade, a sort of beef stew made from beer, as well as some unique products like Maroilles cheese. This famous cheese packs quite an aromatic punch – be careful not to stink up the fridge in your guesthouse! Sample these and other goodies at the weekly markets in Lille, like the Wazemmes Market, one of the largest in France, on Place de la Nouvelle Aventure. Seek out cheap apartments and head to the markets for your daily meals, and you'll quickly be on your way to an inexpensive yet fulfilling holiday in Lille!