We are going from Paris to Brussels through Lille, France. We have the time and are wondering if it's worth staying in Lille for part of the day. I've not been able to find much about Lille - any thoughts most appreciated.

Despite its central position on the railways, Lille is a French place, not touristy, with medieval buildings at the centrte, a few boulevards, and many streets for walking and other quiet places for coffee and cake. The art gallery is good for the nineteenth century.

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We have been to Lille a few times and it didn't do anything for us (but then, we don't care for Maastricht, either, which a lot of Fodorites like). We wouldn't go out of our way to go there. However, you are going to be there, so of course, you should walk around if you have time. It does have some nice restaurants, a good art museum, and some decent shopping.

I liked Lille. I expected it to be modern and less than appealing. It was by the new train station. In the old town it was pretty with lots of old buildings and plazas.

Since you're on your way you could easily spend an afternoon exploring. I thought the to-scale antique town models in the basement of the art museum were fascinating. I want to go up the bell tower for the view but it was closed. Maybe it's open by now.

Here's a link to my trip report. The "Year of Culture" is over so I doubt if you'll get to see the train station bathed in pink light.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34535225

I checked the ofoto link still works for my photos.

Thank you for the good info and trip report (indytravel). I won't make it a must stop and walk but if the fam has the energy after a long flight we will get off the train and poke around.