The birth place of Charles de Gaulle and Louis Pasteur was besieged eleven times. Known for its ancient fortifications, superb shopping, magical Christmas markets and spectacular metro system. Taste Lille Stinker, moules frites, brown-sugar toffee and sweet waffles. Celebrated as the largest city in Northern France, the capital of culture 2004 and one of the friendliest cities in Europe.

Discover the famous Fine Arts Museum, the UNESCO registered belfry and the star-shaped Citadelle. Sketch the square tower at St Catherine’s Church and the buttresses at Saint Etienne’s. Saunter through the old town and listen to the strong Flemish accent. Find sanctuary in the Garden of Giants, study rare plants in the Botanical greenhouses and find English flowerbeds at Vauban Garden. Shop till you drop in the Euralille centre, visit all 83 wooden chalets in the Christmas Market and bag a bargain at Braderie de Lille - the biggest flea-market in Europe.

Just an hour and twenty minutes away by Eurostar, Lille makes the perfect day trip or longer excursion for school groups. Attractive all year round, we recommend visiting in November and December when the city turns into a winter wonderland, complete with a Ferris wheel, giant Christmas tree and themed market. Rich in architecture, culture, gardens and commerce, Lille offers a multi-dimensional and inspiring learning experience for students.