Living and studying in Lille means moving to the heart of Europe’s capital cities
Lille is at the heart of what is known as the European Metropolis (MEL), easily accessible for the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Lille is a crucial economic and cultural crossroads in the north of Europe.
This rich European culture is reflected in every aspect of daily life, and also in the local cuisine, where Belgian and Flemish influences blend with French tradition, as well as in the international festivals and events that enliven the city throughout the year, such as the Braderie de Lille, the biggest flea market in Europe! What’s more, Lille’s proximity to other major European cities such as Brussels, Amsterdam, London and Paris makes it an ideal base from which to explore the continent’s cultural richness.
From its museums, theatres, festivals to just everyday life, European culture is an integral part of Lille’s identity, enriching the experience of those who choose to study, work or live in this dynamic and cosmopolitan city.
Living and studying in Lille also means…
Soak up the different atmospheres of its districts
The city centre: Explore this lively district and take in its famous monuments, including the Vieille Bourse, the Opéra, the Grand-Garde, the Voix du Nord and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The bustling life of this area revolves around the famous Place du Général de Gaulle, better known as the Grand Place. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Vieille Bourse during the book market, when second-hand booksellers display a wide range of books and objects to discover.
Vieux-Lille: Immerse yourself in the city’s past as you wander through the cobbled streets and magnificent brick facades of Vieux-Lille. This district offers a total immersion in Lille’s heritage, with historical and architectural treasures such as the house where Charles de Gaulle was born and the majestic Notre-Dame de la Treille cathedral. This district is also known for its many restaurants, which combine traditional cuisine in its famous estaminets with world cuisine.
Wazemmes: Experience the authenticity and friendliness of the Wazemmes district, famous for its lively Sunday morning market. But Wazemmes is much more than just a market, it’s a real cultural melting pot where tradition meets modernity. Take part in the famous Louche d’Or competition on 1 May, a folk tradition that rewards the best soup. Immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere of its bistros and let yourself be won over to the French way of life.
Vauban-Esquermes: This district to the west of Lille, where the heart of the University campus is located, is renowned for its young and friendly atmosphere. Alongside the magnificent Citadelle park, Vauban-Esquermes offers a pleasant living environment with its tree-lined streets and pretty squares. There are also lots of cafés, bars and restaurants, all contributing to the lively, vibrant atmosphere.
Faubourg de Béthune: Nestling in the south-west of Lille, Faubourg de Béthune is an authentic working-class district steeped in the city’s industrial history. Its narrow streets and typical houses give it an air of charm and authenticity. The district is full of small shops, lively markets and traditional cafés where life is good.
Bois Blanc: Located to the north of Lille, the Bois Blanc district is a haven of peace in the heart of the city. Well known for its green spaces and gardens, it has a peaceful, leafy environment. Its quiet streets and family homes make it ideal for families and nature lovers.
Each of these districts contributes to the diversity and richness of life in Lille, offering its residents a whole range of experiences to discover and enjoy. Whether you’re passionate about history, culture, nature or simply looking for a place to call home, Lille has it all.
Living in a dynamic town with a human feel
Lille has the advantage of being big enough not to get bored and small enough to be easily explored on foot or by V’Lille (Lille’s self-service bicycles). If, however, you prefer to travel under cover (not that it rains much in Lille), no problem! The city also has a wide range of public transport services, giving you access to the whole city and even the surrounding towns thanks to its Illévia network, which in addition to bikes has a metro, tram and bus network throughout the metropolis.
When it comes to gastronomy, Lille knows how to tempt the palate From estaminets, the region’s traditional breweries offering an endless variety of beers and hearty dishes in a traditional atmosphere, to cheese shops offering a rich and diverse selection, to neighbourhood chip shops and renowned gourmet restaurants, every corner of the city offers a unique culinary experience.
Let’s talk about nightlife, Lille provides a host of options for students looking for entertainment and meetings. From the lively city centre with its trendy bars and dynamic clubs to the student district of Wazemmes, where you can while away the evenings in a friendly atmosphere, there’s always somewhere to go out in Lille. What’s more, students can take advantage of the many events organised by the associations – with around forty of them, there’s no shortage of events at ESPOL.
Although it has a reputation for being rainy, when the sun comes out there’s no need to leave the city to recharge your batteries. With its hundreds of hectares of greenery, Lille offers the chance to relax in one of its many parks, squares and gardens. The Parc de la Citadelle, just a stone’s throw from the University, is the largest green space in Lille and must be the locals’ favourite. Whether you’re looking for a spot of sport, a drink or simply a place to relax on the grass, this park steeped in history is perfect for nature lovers.