If the Braderie de Lille brings you to the metropolitan area, why not take the opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of the surroundings? From La Piscine in Roubaix to the Flemish belfries, the region is brimming with gems less than an hour's drive away.
Roubaix and La Piscine
The La Piscine museum in Roubaix is a marvel. Housed in a former Art Deco swimming pool from the 1930s, this museum contains collections of fine and applied arts in a spectacular setting. The central pool, with its reflections of light, is one of the most photographed settings in the North. Roubaix is accessible in 15 minutes by metro line 2.
Villeneuve-d'Ascq: technology and nature
Villeneuve-d'Ascq offers a striking contrast between innovation and greenery. The LaM (Lille Métropole Musée d'art moderne) boasts a remarkable collection of outsider and contemporary art amidst a sculptured park. Nearby, the Parc du Héron and its 110 hectares invite strolls around the lake.
The hills of Flanders
For lovers of nature and panoramic views, the hills of Flanders are a perfect escape. Mont Cassel (176 m) offers a 360° view over the Flemish plain, with a charming medieval village at its summit. Mont des Cats is home to a Trappist abbey whose beer is renowned. The region's green spaces are perfect for a relaxing day out.
Bruges and Ghent: the Belgian getaway
The Belgian border is only 15 kilometres from Lille. Bruges (1h30 by car) and Ghent (1h) are ideal getaways for an extended weekend. Medieval architecture, canals, chocolate and beer: a change of scenery is guaranteed. Take advantage of the rail connections from Lille-Flandres.
The Opal Coast
In 1h30 by road, reach the vast beaches of the Opal Coast. Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez offer spectacular cliffs facing the English Channel. Boulogne-sur-Mer, France's leading fishing port and unofficial supplier of mussels for the Braderie, is also worth a visit for its historic centre and Nausicaa, Europe's largest aquarium.