France's Lille: The perfect place for a getaway

When wandering around the streets of the old city, Le Vieux Lille, a showcase of the city’s French and Flemish architecture, you will be dazzled by stunning and unique buildings.

The old city is lined with cobbled alleyways, tall red-brick buildings and golden sandstone houses, and you will also encounter some traditional boutiques and up-market shops.

In 2004 Lille was elected European Capital of Culture and since then the scheme Lille 3000 has pushed to promote the city’s cultural heritage and contemporary artists through regular events and festivals.

"Many people think Paris is all when paying a visit to France, but that's not true. Lille is an open, colorful and dynamic city, and many of my friends really enjoy the great city atmosphere, passionate and humorous locals here,” the tourist guide told China Daily.

"Lille is an ideal place to settle in France," the guide added.