Lille

Although Lille has a reputation for being a sprawling city – and it is indeed the largest one in northern France – its charming old town is entirely walkable, and contains all the attractions, restaurants, and nightlife establishments a weekend city-breaker could wish to explore in a couple of days. The vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood of Wazemmes, known for its popular market, lies just south of the old town, and is within equally easy reach. The significant student population accounts for Lille's youthful, jovial spirit, which co-exists with refinement and cultural heritage that spans many centuries. Once an important trading post, Lille later grew into an industrial powerhouse and even became known for being a working class stronghold, a status that has now given way to one of a cultural hub. Beyond the old town, museums worth making the trip to the suburbs for are the curious La Piscine (museum set up inside a 20th century swimming pool building, the pool still technically functional) of Roubaix and Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art in Villeneuve-d'Ascq.