One day in Lille - France Part 2

Thank you for checking in to part two of our visit to Lille. To read part 1 click here.

Last week, we stopped at the Palace of Rihour. So, Further up and to the right of the Palace, you will see the Theatre du Nord on the Place du General de Gaulle. To the left of the “Place” there is another load of shops including a Virgin and a FNAC, both music shops where cool young people here still like to hang out. At the other side of the “place” we can find many artisans’ shops including this little beauty called “La Chambres aux Confitures” where you can find the most unimaginable jam mixes and combos. The one I wanted most was “Abricots & Ecorces d’oranger” literal translation is apricot and orange tree bark (I am still wondering how it tastes). “La Chambre aux Confitures” is such an original idea and everything displayed can be tasted before buying. The smallest jam pot cost €4.50. And every purchase is carefully wrapped and presented like on the picture. Find further details here.

Opposite “La Chambre aux Confitures” I found this amazing passage way and was curious to find where it lead. Believe it or not, there are 4 restaurants in this corridor (called Rue St Etienne) including one called le Barbue d’Anvers hidden in an inner court and covered by foliage. This place just that just seem to scream “here we serve regional food”. Unfortunately, when I showed up they were closed and preparing for evening service. Well, It will be for another time and summer day preferably. But do check out the website.

Moving on down the road I found Meert, a very old posh patisserie and salon de the… looked a bit like the lunch area of Harrods food court. It was Goûter time when I got there, but the queue made me give up on tasting something there on this occasion. I moved on to Rue Basse right opposite Meert to a restaurant brasserie called Le Square d’Aramis which isn’t listed in the guide. I needed to seat a have a glass of rosé and this just seemed to be the best place for it. L’Aramis is a really cool and trendy place to be. It was nearly empty when I checked in, but, I felt immediately really relaxed at the sight of the porch installed on top of the bar (not joking) and the rough unvarnished floor boards and also the slightly je m’enfoutist staff (I thing Brits call it the careless shrugs?). I loved it there and if was in London it would be a great hang out for my friends and I. Check out the video on the website  look above bar to see the porch…

Still dehambulating in the streets of Lille, I stumbled on Paul’s boulangerie and stopped to buy a pear Armandiere it is unbelievable how much I have missed these things… I eat it while walking (not very lady like). As time for dinner approaches, I wander back to place Charles de Gaulle to find a restaurant off the “place” at Rue Faidherbe. The restaurant is called Comptoir des Latitudes. What an odd name for a restaurant. See my thoughts about this restaurant on one the next posts. I had Foie Gras… J

As the night falls on Lille, I head back towards the station not without having stopped for the last time in Brioche Doree to have my dessert and coffee. I opt for an Eclaire Paris-Brest filled with a cream mixed with crushed almond.

The Euralille the shopping centre is still open and this time the shoppers are office workers buying their last Christmas gifts. As I walk on the Esplanade towards the train station to collect my luggage and catch the onwards high speed train (TGV) to Chateauroux, I spot another building mentioned on the guide; the Tour de Lille shaped like Skiing shoe... I say, it look like an L…

Well that was a full day I am knackered. There is so much more to do in this town and in order to fully enjoy it in a relaxed manner, one must plan a full week end in Lille. I hope that what you will do. And give Paris a little break…

Next week check out my recommendations list for Lille.

Thanks for reading...