Lille
The centre of Old Lille with its cobbled streets and wonderful architecture and 4000 shops is perfect for a spot of Christmas shopping and festive fare! There’s a fabulous Christmas market at Place Rihour with stalls selling local arts and crafts plus regional food specialities such as Maroilles cheese, macarons, biscuits, and sweets like babeluttes (soft caramels).
Next door at the Grand Place take a ride on the 164ft high Ferris Wheel and enjoy a bird’s eye view over the square with its artificial snow village and the city with its beautiful Renaissance architecture and twinkling lights.
Celebrate with in Lille’s Champagne Bar in a 17th Century convent, spoil yourself rotten with a massive choice of superb restaurants, bars and brasseries and rest your feet in one of the many museums in the city. November to end December: The Lille Tourist Office has special deals for accommodation and shopping check out the details: www.lilletourism.com