The concept of shared accommodation is growing in France, but is still not as established as it is in the UK. Lille city centre is quite small. It is also very flat. The world's first automated underground network opened in in Lille. For those who are looking to stay in Lille long term, the technology sector is booming and offers great opportunities if you have a science degree. Fluency in English is essential for jobs in the trade sector, which is big in Lille city region thanks to its transport connections to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the UK.
French-English bilingual expats will also find fixed term contracts as English speaking au-pairs or part time jobs in coffee shops and bars. Although Lille is in France, the food and drink habits are definitely inherited from Flanders. The most popular bistro dish is the Welsh Rarebit, North of France's adaptation of the caws-wedi-pobi β from guess where?
Served with chunky chips obviously. If your relatives are visiting, impress them with the local pudding hero: Le Merveilleux. You get it from one of the two bakeries of the same name. With a bowl of coffee of course.
Looking to eat on the cheap? Not to mention the covered market with delicious local bread, meat and cheese. France is getting better with veggie and vegan food, but is not as good as countries in Northern Europe or the US yet. These two will have at least one decent veggie option. No pain no gain. Le Vieux Lille, the old town, is the most popular area to go out, with plenty of bars and clubs, packed with students and young professionals. Le DIY Vauban area is a vegan cafe with a wide range of craft beers, celebrating skate, punk and graffiti cultures.
The owner organises gigs on week days and weekends. You might end up staying for food and a club nightβ¦. Lille was one of the two European Capitals of Culture in , and its legacy still lives in lille , a triennial project, exploring the future via arts exhibitions and events.
