Lille, July 21st, 2025

Grand Place lights up in the evening, a bit tacky for my taste, but colourful indeed.

Last year I wrote a blog post on the «ugly cathedral» of Saint-Étienne, and this trip also includes a cathedral which divides the city – the Notre-Dame de la Treille. Originally started as a neogothic cathedral in the 19th century, it got its modern façade at the end of the 20th century.

Once inside, the translucent stones of the façade comes to life and fills the cathedral with a warm light.

The cathedral is also adorned with several pieces of modern church art.

Despite the disputes, the cathedral is now recognized as a Historical Monument in France, celebrating the patron saint of the city.

So how should i sum up Lille? Definitively worth a visit, for me two days was enough time to explore the city sights.

Coming to France always offers the opportunity to eat well, and Lille is no exception.

Paris is my next stop, and on Sunday I plan to watch the final stage of the Tour de France. Thus, it was only fitting that the Grand Départ this year was at the Chambre de Commerce in Lille.