When you step off the train in Lille, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re no longer be in France. With one foot in Belgian Flanders and one foot in the French north, Lille is a city of many faces. The best way to explore it, then, is in a centrally located hotel that offers you the practicality and affordability you need to get the very best out of the city! The Novotel Lille Grand Place ****, as its name implies, certainly has the central location down, and is excellent value for money.
Flemish Lille
Lille’s dual nationality is inescapable – from the many Flemish words you see on signs to the unfamiliar dishes that crop up on menus. It’s all part of Lille’s unique charm, and you’d be remiss not to savour it, especially when it comes to food and drink. Pop into a bar and try some local beers, dig into a huge bucket of mussels or brave a whiff of Maroilles cheese, it’s all part of the experience! The hotel’s café restaurant is distinctly influenced by its northern location, too, offering excellent seafood dishes and local specialities, though those hankering after burgers and traditional cooked breakfasts won’t be disappointed!
Arty Lille
Lille is more than its food and drink, though, offering a wealth of art a far cry from the staid, limited feel you can find in other French cities. It’s all about freedom of expression, encouraging you to interact and experiment. Not to be outdone, the hotel spruces up its minimalist, practical design with splashes of chic contemporary art, from huge floor-to-ceiling trees stencilled onto the walls to the stylish cubic furnishings in the fitness room. First and foremost, though, is your comfort, with every design choice made to make your stay more pleasant.
Historic Lille
Finally, Lille is proud of its historic architecture, offering many well-preserved examples of Renaissance and older styles for you to explore. Thanks to its excellent location just off the Grand Place, the hotel puts you right in the centre of these sights, within walking distance of the famous bell tower and the cobbled streets of Vieux Lille beyond. Experience all Lille has to offer at the Novotel Lille Grand Place ****.