Opera de Lille, sculpture detail
Lille
Lille must be the the closest continental opera house - just 80 minutes from London [less from Ashford].
Le Vieux Lille has been steadily restored since the mid-1960s to reveal the beautiful façades of the 17th-18th centuries; La Citadelle, and recently renovated Musée des Beaux-Arts [1852-92] are worth a visit.
Why not take a short break and surprise yourself!
Lille (Rijsel in Flemish) may be France’s most underrated major city. In recent decades this once-grimy industrial metropolis, its economy based on declining technologies, has transformed itself – with generous government help – into a glittering and self-confident cultural and commercial hub. Highlights for the visitor include an attractive old town with a strong Flemish accent, three renowned art museums, stylish shopping, some fine dining options and a cutting-edge, student-driven nightlife scene. The Lillois are justly proud of their reputation for friendliness.
