Destination SWAPS
WOMAN - UK|April 29, 2024
Change your favourite resorts for these great-value, lesser-known places
HELENA CARTWRIGHT
Destination SWAPS

Swap Paris for… LILLE

The train journey to Lille from London takes less than 90 minutes, making it the perfect weekend city break. Much of the fun of visiting Lille is life’s simpler pleasures – discovering great finds at flea markets, people watching and sampling local specialities such as moules-frites at bustling, friendly restaurants. It’s hard not to fall for a city where a cake shop is on the list of not-to-be-missed attractions. Méert is no ordinary cake shop. This elegant patisserie in Lille’s historic centre has been serving up edible works of art since 1761 and its window display alone is enough to attract a crowd. Not that Lille is short of other sights – it’s home to a plethora of art galleries, museums and architectural gems, as well as a shopping scene that covers everything from one-off boutiques to markets. There’s plenty here to easily fill a long weekend.

BOOK NOW A long weekend (three nights) in June, including train fare and a stay at Appart’city Lille Grand Palais Hotel, costs from £171pp with Eurostar (eurostar.com).

This story is from the April 29, 2024 edition of WOMAN - UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 29, 2024 edition of WOMAN - UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN - UKView All
How to avoid a cold when partying
WOMAN - UK

How to avoid a cold when partying

Burning the candle at both ends might seem fun at this time of year, but it can spell disaster for your health and wellbeing...

time-read
2 mins  |
December 16, 2024
ASK US ANYTHING
WOMAN - UK

ASK US ANYTHING

SUZIE HAYMAN AND SUSAN QUILLIAM CAN HELP

time-read
2 mins  |
December 16, 2024
MOWED DOWN after a Christmas party
WOMAN - UK

MOWED DOWN after a Christmas party

Anna-Louise Bates has finally allowed herself to enjoy the festive season again

time-read
4 mins  |
December 16, 2024
A weekend in...VILNIUS
WOMAN - UK

A weekend in...VILNIUS

A dreamy couple of days in Lithuania's captivating city can be easy on the purse

time-read
2 mins  |
December 16, 2024
The letter that SAVE YOUR
WOMAN - UK

The letter that SAVE YOUR

Why do a third of women miss their breast cancer screenings?

time-read
3 mins  |
December 16, 2024
New love in 2025 WOULD BENICE
WOMAN - UK

New love in 2025 WOULD BENICE

Growing up in Bradford, West Yorkshire, to Punjabi Indian parents, Anita Rani says her household ‘didn’t really do Christmas’ – but boy, is she making up for it now!

time-read
4 mins  |
December 16, 2024
'2024 has been DREADFUL'
WOMAN - UK

'2024 has been DREADFUL'

Prince William admits that this year has been the hardest' in his life. Is blood thicker than water in times of need

time-read
3 mins  |
December 16, 2024
The dark side to your CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT
WOMAN - UK

The dark side to your CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT

Do you know what’s in your glass this party season?

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
IS THERE ANYTHING MORE NOSTALGIC THAN CHRISTMASES PAST?
WOMAN - UK

IS THERE ANYTHING MORE NOSTALGIC THAN CHRISTMASES PAST?

Do you remember the anticipation before the big day, pondering endlessly about what should go on your Christmas list? I would lovingly write two or three things down, pop it into an envelope and leave it by the fireplace to be wafted up the chimney like something out of Mary Poppins.

time-read
1 min  |
December 02, 2024
The Christmas that CHANGED OUR LIVES
WOMAN - UK

The Christmas that CHANGED OUR LIVES

We speak to three women about their most wonderful time of year

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024