LILLE ON A 2CV

It was a trip to an era gone by when I was welcomed in Lille on a Citroen 2CV convertible. This vintage car, launched in 1948 and produced till 1988, was my ride for the day to discover this charming city. Not only is this vehicle itself a trip into history, but it also came with an equally enthusiastic guide who gave anecdotes as we traversed from one street to another. Lille is very close to France’s border with Belgium and falls under the French Flanders. While the passers-by greeted us with friendly smiles (also because of the carriage we were in), I was pleasantly surprised to see the number of shops of every possible brand under the sun. The city, I was told, is thronged by tourists to just be in the cosy surroundings of a small town while being able to shop and eat in the finest way possible. The city centre has the Column of the Goddess statue standing tall overlooking the various al fresco cafes and shops full of locals and tourists alike. The 2CV cannot be driven at a very high speed, which is a blessing in disguise, as it allows a better view of the surroundings. Because of this, another notable structure caught my eye—the Art Deco Town Hall Belfry, which towers over the entire city at a height of 104 metres. The city is small but full of cultural wonders. I'd recommend to stop and visit the amazing Cathedral in Lille, a Neo-Gothic church. One can admire the sculptures and design of this structure for hours. Stop by for lunch at Le Barbue D'Anvers and relish the sumptuous local dishes while admiring the curios and decor around. Those who want to experience an extraordinary French tea experience should head to Meert, which is a famous pastry shop in Lille and is known for its classic waffles, cakes and tea. Spend the night at the beautiful L'Arbre-Voyageur, a beautiful boutique property in the heart of Lille and get a taste of the French hospitality here.