|
LILLE , by far the largest city in the north, is the very symbol of French industry and working-class politics. Its mayor, Pierre Mauroy, was the first Socialist prime minister appointed by Mitterrand in 1981. In every direction the city spreads far into the countryside, a mass of suburbs and heavy industrial plants. Lille exhibits most of the problems of contemporary France: some of the worst poverty and racial conflict in the country, a crime rate rivalled only by Paris and Marseille, and a certain regionalism - Lillois sprinkle their speech with a French-Flemish patois and to some extent assert a Flemish identity. But there is also classic French affluence. The city has a lovely centre, Vieux Lille, some vibrant and obviously prosperous commercial areas, modern residential squares, a large university, a brand-new metro system, and a very serious attitude to its culture and restaurants. Although you may not consider Lille a prime destination, if you're travelling through this region it's worth at least a day and a night.
Your Tip for Lille
Help other backpackers! Write your own guides and backpacking tips to Lille - they will appear instantly on this page - Please only write a tip/guide to Lille - visit the main Lille forum to ask a question!
Please do not post links to your site here (they won't work) - please use the Lille webguide section below! Thanks.
|
