Driving in Lille, France

Lille is a vibrant and modern city - the fourth largest in France and the main city in the region to the north of Paris. The rail connection and the Industrial Revolution really helped establish Lille as a developed city and the large coal deposits and textile industry contributed as well.

Large sections of the city were destroyed during WWI and later during the great depression the city's population took a major hit economically. In WWII the Lille was captured very early in the war and again was very quickly liberated after D-Day. Today the city has one of the largest student populations in France. There are many universities with different disciplines and it's a popular place for foreign students. It was the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle in 1890 and, today, there's a university in the city named after him.

There's much to see and do in the city centre including a descent number of museums to wander around. These include the Musée des Beaux-Arts (the second largest fine arts museum in France after the Louvre), the Museum of Natural History (home to a large collection of mammals, insects and fossils), the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse (formerly a hospital but is now an art museum) and the Musée d'Art et d' Industrie de Roubaix: La Piscine (modern art museum displayed in an Art Deco setting).

The historic centre of Lille (Old Quarter or Vieux Lille) is well worth checking out with its narrow, winding cobblestone streets, chic little cafes and restaurants. It's also home to the Cathédrale Notre Dame de la Treille.

Lillie also boasts some beautifully set squares, the largest of which is Place du Général-de-Gaulle (aka Grand place). Here you'll find the fountain, La Grande Déesse and a number of historic houses surround the square including the HQ of the Flemish newspaper La Voix du Nord.

Another square located nearby is the Place du Théâtre which is home to many fantastic historic buildings such as the Opera House and the Chamber of Commerce. Located between the Place du Théâtre and the Grand'place is the La Vieille Bourse - the site of the former commercial exchange. Other squares worth visiting include the Place Rihour, where the tourist information centre is located.

One of the most impressive features of the city is la Citadelle. This was built by Louis XIV and its main entrance is situated opposite the historic centre.

Lille is also a shopper's paradise. Like all other major European cities it has loads of department stores as well as quaint little French boutiques.

By Mairead Fole

Mairead Foley writes for http://www.Novacarhire.com/ where you can book car hire at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the world.

Visit Novacarhire.com for all you need to know before you take to the roads in France, like where to go and what to see with your car hire. Book your Car hire Lille now.

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