Experience in Lille, France by Hanf

What is it like to live in Lille? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Lille is a very pleasant city to live in. I've spent 15 years there, and loved it. The city is beautiful, yet not that touristic. It always has a great atmosphere as the people in the North of France are told to be the nicest French, and I can confirm this is true! Very close to Belgium, Netherlands, Paris, London... Going for a weekend abroad is very easy.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Lille?

It depends on where your University is. Most of them are not in the very city, but in the close suburb though. French students have more classes during the week than our neighbours, but we have also more holidays. Once the day is finished, you still have many things to do as the city is really involved in culture (expositions, art, music... ) so you won't get bored.

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How much does it cost to live in Lille?

For a big French city, Lille isn't that expensive. A studio in the city centre is roughly €400. There is almost no "touristic"-rip-off-restaurants (avoid La Chicorée, famous but terrible one).

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Lille? Is there any advice you can give?

Not so much. Don't hesitate to go out of the Vieux-Lille, many districts have a bad reputation but are cool places to live (Wazemmes for instance).

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Northern type, so it's not the most elaborate one but still very good. Carbonade Flamande is to me the best one (Beef ragout with a beer and gingerbread sauce). Try also the mussels, they're good, or Welsh. You're still in France so you can trust every restaurant, and buy cheese easily; )

What places would you recommend visiting in Lille?

Getting lost in the beautiful streets of Vieux-Lille, going to exposition places (LAM, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Gare Saint-Sauveur... ). A must-see thing in the region: Dunkirk carnival. Famous, authentic, funny carnival. Wazemmes market is huge, popular, and a place where the young people meet to have a Sunday drink in a great atmosphere.

Is it good to eat out in Lille? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

As I said, you can trust nearly every restaurant to have a good meal. If you want typical restaurants, go to Estaminets. Estaminets is the name given to old school Northern taverns, where you'll find great local food, with a warm atmosphere.

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Is the nightlife good in Lille? Where is good to go?

It is absolutely great. You have anything you'd like. From the classic bars’ streets (Masséna, Solférino), to more alternative places that I personally prefer (hidden in basement bars), you can't get bored. Gare Saint-Sauveur is a really cool place to hang out. Due to the proximity with Belgium, you'll find a huge choice of strong, exquisite beers in Lille.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lille?

Lille isn't the most famous place in France, but it is a very cool place to live. The weather isn't very good, but not much worse than in Paris. If you want to meet open-minded locals, visit many places in Europe, and have a French-almost-Belgian lifestyle, go to Lille!