Lille, the vibrant capital of Hauts-de-France, blends its Flemish roots with trendy cafes and charming cobblestone streets in its historic Vieux Lille.
"Lille is noted for its affordability and has become a popular alternative to Paris. It moved up seven places to third due to a 30 percent drop in accommodation costs, lowering the average from $235 to $166. The city is easily accessible from London via Eurostar, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers."
"Chef Florent Ladeyn, a finalist on Top Chef France, owns Bloempot, a modern Flemish canteen located in a converted carpenter’s workshop. The restaurant showcases local ingredients within a 30-mile radius, offering dishes like pork shoulder yakitori and buckwheat-salted caramel cream puffs. The ambiance blends a loft with a beer garden atmosphere." - Lindsey Tramuta