A Northern Affair

Tucked In Between Paris And The Channel, The North Of France Offers Its Own Iconic – And Remarkable – Charms

- Akanksha Maker

It’s fascinating how different, yet similar each region of Europe can be. Last year, I boarded an SNCF train from Charles de Gaulle airport to Lille, the capital of the Hauts-de-France (the northernmost region of France near the Belgian border). The drive to my hotel, past quaint buildings, reminded me of my brief visit to Brussels. In Europe, a city’s culture is heavily influenced by the weather and its neighboring countries. Since Lille shares the border with Belgium, there’s a notable Flemish influence in all its aspects – from weather, food and architecture to culture.

I checked into the charming Hotel L’Arbre Voyageur located in Boulevard Carnot, close to the city center. The property takes pride in its quaint décor – Baroque touches, avian patterns and bold colors.

After a quick nap and coffee, I headed down to reception where a red vintage Citroën 2CV was waiting for me. I had signed up for a driving tour of this Belgian-French part of Europe in a classic car that can be booked on lilletourism.com (a one hour guided tour in a convertible 2CV for one person is priced at €67/$78).

My tour guide drove us through the narrow byways of Lille lined with little houses dating back to the 17th century. Most of these golden sandstone buildings built in the neo-Flemish style of architecture have now been converted into boutiques and cafes, creating an idyllic ambience that blends the old with the new.

One of the most notable buildings is L’Hospice Comtesse, once a 13th century charitable hospital that is now a museum with a collection of paintings, tapestries, wood sculptures and porcelains from the region.