The festive atmosphere of Lille
Standing on the banks of the Dele River close to France’s
northernmost border with Belgium, the city of Lille dates back to
the tenth century when the Counts of Flanders built a castle on an
‘island’ of dry land entirely surrounded by marshes. Over the next
two centuries L’isla (‘the island’) grew from a settlement into a
city with an estimated ten thousand inhabitants and rose to
prominence as a centre of trade and industry. Over the next couple
of days you are at leisure to explore and the Christmas Market is
an excellent place to begin at this time of year. Perhaps sample
the chestnut and hazelnut doughnuts and a reviving hot spiced apple
cider, or take a ride on the Ferris Wheel for great views over the
city. Held in the Place Rihour, Lille’s small Christmas Market
features arts, crafts, decorations and local cuisine and the city
is specially illuminated for the festivities; the bright Christmas
lights create a walkway down the Rue Nationale, making it a delight
to wander around.