Located less than two hours away from the French capital, Lille and its Old Town make the perfect destination for a short and refreshing weekend break.
A pastry shop: Méert
Photo: @lillemaville
This place is a veritable institution. In fact, according to locals, this is where you can find the best waffles in the country. Find a spot under the glass roof of the restaurant and try the classic vanilla waffle, washed down with a house blend tea.
25-27 rue Esquermoise, Lille.
A hotel: Mama Shelter
Photo: @lesli_hagen_
Step inside and discover the hotel chain’s unique atmosphere for yourself: festive rooms, a restaurant where you can snack all day long and a bar where you can sip cocktails when the sun goes down. And did we mention the panoramic 180° view of the capital of French Flanders?
97 place Saint-Hubert, Lille.
A restaurant: Bierbuik
Photo: @bierbuik.bloemeke
Bierbuik means “beer belly” in Flemish. With that in mind, what’s on the menu in this pub with its large convivial tables? Beer, of course, but also some small plates by Florent Ladeyn. The bonus: all this at a reasonable price.
19 rue Royale, Lille.
A shop: Momentum
Photo: @momentumconceptstore
It’s never been so easy to bring back a souvenir from Lille. In the aisles of this concept store, you’ll find Scandinavian-style design and decoration brands. But that’s not all: the atelier space also offers vintage pieces that are customised on site.
42 rue des Trois Miollettes, Lille.
A museum: Maison de la Photographie
Photo: @maisonphoto
Located away from the town centre and Vieux-Lille, this space is home to sublime exhibitions and so much more. Various screenings and debates are organised here all year long. We should also point out that, beyond the art, the minimalist structure is worth a visit in itself.
28 rue Pierre Legrand, Lille.
Also visit: one of the two American Vintage shops, both located in Vieux-Lille.
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.
Cover photo: mamashelter.com