The first thing I was told when I arrived in Lille: ‘Dans le Nord, il n’y a pas de soleil dehors, mais il y en a dans les cœurs,’* didn't leave me with too much starting hope. But after even just the first few days, it all started to make sense.

In Lille, once you look past the grey skies and the constant need for umbrellas, you unravel the charm of Lille - the locals, the food, the events. And after having spent an entire year exploring and delving into the rich culture of this beautiful city, I now feel as if I can give a few accurate tips and tricks of how to live in Lille, like a local.  

Firstly, one of the most unique and important things to note about Lille is how, although it is in France, it is strongly influenced by its Flemish neighbours. These similarities are prominent everywhere but can be especially seen in local Estaminets (traditional northern restaurants). Most of the local dishes in Lille and across Belgium share many of the same ingredients, beer being the most obvious example.

Carbonnade Flamande, for instance, is one of the most famous dishes in Hauts-de-France and is constituted of a slow-cooked beef stew made with dark beer, onions, and herbs. It represents the merging of cultures between France and Belgium and, frankly, tastes delicious. Another I cannot avoid mentioning is the Welsh. Despite its name, it is a local Northern dish of cheese and beer, mixed together and poured over a slice of bread soaked in even more beer. And if you think that sounds way too heavy and indulgent, then you would be correct! However, it is a must try if you are ever in the area - but my advice would be to maybe split it with someone... 

However, before you sit down for a hearty meal you need to make sure you are available between the hours of 6-8pm for the most important time of the day – apéro! In Lille at this time, the terrasses and outdoor seating areas are completely full of locals with a red beer in hand and a saucisson shared between friends. Personally, I always loved the bars around Rihour, just next to the Grand Place but wherever you go in the city you will be sure to find a very French atmosphere and some good happy-hour deals!

There are always events and activities going on in Lille but one thing I had not realised before going to France is the extent at which the Lilloise appreciate their day of rest: Sundays. On this day everything is closed – from supermarkets to libraries. However, Sundays quickly became my favourite day of the week all because of one event in the neighbourhood next to mine: Wazemmes Market. Le Marché de Wazemmes is an international market open a few days a week but is at its busiest on Sundays and strongly reflects the multicultural city that Lille is. Most locals go there to buy their fresh produce as the stock of fruit and vegetables spans across almost 100 stalls for incredibly low prices. I once bought a kilogram of blueberries for 3 euro! You find almost anything you could possibly want here from traditional Moroccan foods such as msemen (a personal favourite of mine) to jewellery and hand made clothes. It's the perfect way to spend your Sunday! 

No matter if you're looking for a foodie weekend trying local dishes or you want to spend your days wondering around the beautiful architecture of the old town, Lille has it all. And, hopefully, now you can “Lille” like a local. 

* 'In the North, there’s no sun outside, but there is in people’s hearts.'