Lille and its metropolitan area exemplifies the confusion of categories and genres. Lovers of walks in the fresh air, window-shoppers, admirers of Notre-Dame de la Treille or of Vauban’s fortifications, enthusiasts for the Paris-Roubaix cycle race and of horse-racing… all have had their taste of Greater Lille.

During the day, its cobbled streets and large squares offer a succession of museums of all kinds, of fine and modern art, of industry and science. On sunny Saturdays, the city’s parks are alive with visitors, while Sundays are days dedicated to markets full of the aroma of spices.

At night, Greater Lille is ablaze with a thousand bright lights: ballets, operas, plays, comedy stores and variety shows play to full houses. Its cafés and restaurants are never empty of friends or lovers radiating happiness and joy.