Breath, Eat, Sleep, Drink Lille: Discover Lille Beyond DrupalCon Europe 2023

Lille, a charming city in Northern France, sets the stage for an unforgettable experience at DrupalCon Lille 2023. This article is about the fantastic recommendations on places you must check out while in town. It covers various aspects of the gathering, including attractions, outdoor activities, culinary delights, and sustainability initiatives, all of which enhance the overall DrupalCon experience.

First up, let's talk about Lille itself. Lille's picturesque charm serves as the perfect backdrop for this occasion. The city, along with nearby gems like Tourcoing and Roubaix, easily accessible via public transport, offers a multitude of attractions and day trips for visitors to explore. This comprehensive guide not only highlights the beauty of Lille but also emphasises the commitment of DrupalCon Lille organisers to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, promising a conscientious and forward-thinking event. To learn more about buses and metros, visit the Lille ilévia public transport website here.

A unique attraction worth visiting is the Musée La Piscine in Roubaix, where an art deco swimming pool doubles as a sculpture museum, offering a distinctive cultural experience. Moreover, attendees can embark on day trips to Brussels and Paris, both just an hour away by train, or head to the scenic Côte d'Opale on the coast to discover captivating sites like the Ambleteuse stronghold, Cape Grey Nose, Cape White Nose, and picturesque villages such as Wimereux and Montreuil-sur-Mer.

For those seeking outdoor relaxation and fresh air, Lille offers a variety of options. A stroll through Old Lille allows visitors to appreciate the city's architectural heritage, including the Old Stock Exchange and Notre Dame de la Treille. Additionally, the Vauban Garden along Boulevard Vauban provides a tranquil setting for a peaceful walk. Adventurous souls can even try stand-up paddle-boarding on the Deûle River, offering a unique perspective of the city. Lille also boasts several museums catering to diverse interests, including art galleries and natural history exhibits. Families with children can enjoy an amusement park and zoo near Lille's Vauban Citadel, providing a fun-filled outing. You can find more information on this site.

Walking a little, you can take an enjoyable stroll along the Deûle, Lille's river. For sports people, you can perform some Stand Up Paddle on the river; more information here. If you want to visit the river by yourself, you can rent a small electrical boat and go on an adventure. For more information, click here.

Several other points of interest exist within the city, including the city belfry, which you might recognise as the logo for DrupalCon Lille 2023, located at Place Simon Vollant, 59000 Lille.

You can discover additional points of interest, such as the Wazemmes market on Sundays at Place Nouvelle Aventure, 59000 Lille, along with various museums scattered throughout the city catering to art enthusiasts and budding scientists with a passion for natural history. For more details, visit the official Hello Lille City Guide website. Check here for information in other languages and specific guides (like brewing tourism).

Lille's culinary scene is a treat for food enthusiasts, focusing on hearty Northern French and Belgian cuisine. Visitors must sample local specialities, including Maroilles cheese, Welsh (a beer-soaked ham and cheddar dish), Carbonnade (a beer-infused Flemish stew), and Waterzooi (a chicken or fish soup with vegetables). Potjevleesch, a cold dish featuring marinated meats, is another regional delight. Lille is also renowned for its fries, traditionally served with mussels, during the Lille flea market. Sweet indulgences include Tarte au Sucre, waffles, and the Merveilleux, a delectable cylindrical cake. To take home the flavours of Lille, visitors can purchase ready-made meals in jars from L'Estaminette, offering a taste of the region's cuisine.

You May Like

Interview

Humility Over Hype: Iztok Smolic's Approach to Leadership and Community

Interview

Humility Over Hype: Iztok Smolic's Approach to Leadership and Community

Regarding dining options, Lille offers a diverse array of restaurants. La Clairière in the city centre specialises in vegan cuisine, while Crêperie Beaurepaire is a beloved spot for delicious crepes. Hein, a typical restaurant, offers regional dishes with a colourful twist, while La Laiterie, located just minutes from Lille's centre, provides a fine dining experience. Aux Enfants Terribles, Bloempot, and Ch'tite Brigitte are other noteworthy restaurants serving authentic Northern French fare. For Italian cuisine lovers, Papà Posto is the place to savour delectable Italian dishes. Grand Scène, a lively food court in the heart of the city, caters to diverse tastes with ten restaurants and two bars, making it an ideal choice for groups.

After a day of exploring and dining, attendees can unwind at some of Lille's best pubs and bars. Queen Victoria Pub offers a wide selection of beers and a prime location opposite the Sébastopol Theater. Caf&Diskaire hosts lively concerts during aperitif hours, providing an energetic atmosphere. Beerchope is another great spot for beer enthusiasts, featuring an extensive beer menu to satisfy all preferences.

If you are looking for a good place to eat a crepe in the centre of Lille, we invite you to visit this institution that has been established for many years!

A typical estaminet with local dishes from the region revisited as a colourful and surprising place.

An institution for fine dining in the city for years, La Laiterie, offers a haven of peace 5 minutes by car from the centre of Lille, in Lambersart.

An old farmhouse completely renovated with different spaces: a tavern-style bar where you can snack, a restaurant with 250 seats, a tap room with beer workshops soon, and even a performance hall with a nice program.

A claimed "Flemish canteen". Atypical decor (a former carpentry workshop), good natural products and original recipes: refreshing! Please note that there is no telephone here; reservations are made via the website or on-site.

Experience the authentic flavours of Northern cuisine at Ch'tite Brigitte, an estaminet renowned for serving the region's iconic dishes. To secure your reservations in advance, please visit the website for booking details and availability.

If you're in search of excellent Italian cuisine in Lille, look no further – this is the place you've been seeking.

If you're searching for excellent Italian cuisine in Lille, look no further – this is where you've been seeking.

If we're looking to cater to diverse tastes and preferences within our group, consider visiting Grand Scène, the food court nestled in the heart of the pedestrian streets. Its array of 10 restaurants, 2 bars, and entertainment options offers a delightful experience that can accommodate all of our choices.

Alright, we've enjoyed a satisfying meal, but now, let's shift our focus to beverages, and let's be frank, how about some refreshing beer?

Enjoy a wide selection of beers at the Queen Victoria pub in the heart of Lille opposite the Sébastopol Theater.

The Caf&Diskaire offers concerts regularly at aperitif time, a vibrant place.

The Beerchope also provides an extensive beer menu, allowing patrons to explore and discover new brews.

Finally, attendees are encouraged to explore and appreciate Lille's rich culture, cuisine, and attractions. The city's blend of history, art, and gastronomy provides a memorable backdrop to the DrupalCon experience, offering attendees a chance to savour the best of Northern France and create lasting memories.