There are several kid-friendly attractions in and around Lille, with the Citadelle and its zoo, some excellent hands-on museums, quality nearby beaches and the fun Mosaïc in nearby Houplin-Ancoisne. Whether you stay in the city or tour nearby regions by hire car, you are sure to find plenty of outdoor fun.

Citadelle
The Citadelle is one of Lille’s major sights; a 17^th century structure built by Sébastien le Prestre de Vauban as a military fort. The fort is still used as a military base today and harbours a park where there is a children's amusement park and zoo within. The park is accessible by bus. Phone: +33 3 2021 9439.

Le Touquet
Just to the west of Lille on the English Channel is one of France’s best northern beaches - a great daytrip in the summer. The beach itself is nice, but it is the side attractions here which bring the most people in. These include a whole range of sports, such as golf, and loads of quality stores and restaurants as well as good entertainment options.

Mosaïc, Le Jardin des Cultures
Mosaïc, Le Jardin des Cultures is a great family-orientated attraction in the village of Houplin-Ancoisne, to the southwest of Lille. It’s located in the centre of Parc de la Deûle and features dozens of acres of fine gardens, pretty woods and a pond. There are many kid-type attractions here, and it can be a welcome break from the bustle of Lille town centre. Phone: +33 3 2058 0861; website: www.lillemetropole.fr:8080/index

Open Air Museum
Just outside town to the southeast is the brilliant Open Air Museum in the village of Villeneuve d'Ascq. This authentic regional village sits on a 25-acre site complete with thatched cottages, farmhouses, barns and many other interesting buildings. It’s a great learning tool for kids, with its dressed artisans and artists demonstrating their trades. The museum is accessed by subway and bus from the city. Phone: +33 3 2005 5941.

Walking and Cycling
The traffic in Lille can be tough on pedestrians and cyclists, yet there are several pedestrianised streets in the town centre that make for good strolling, while city parks and gardens are also welcoming for the active. Parc Urbain du Héron to the northeast of town has a huge lake and offers all sorts of outdoor activities.

Lille doesn’t have the cultural prowess of Paris or Orleans, but there are many quality sights worth seeking out all the same. Arts are particularly well represented here at the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, while the city’s modern-looking cathedral and the La Voix du Nord newspaper building are other major draws.

Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-la Treille
The Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-la Treille is a relatively recent cultural addition to the Lille skyline and is famously home to a 12^th century statue of the Virgin Mary which is paraded through the town annually during an important festival. The cathedral itself is Roman Catholic in design and features an impressive basilica.

La Braderie Festival
A must-see for anyone who is in Lille in September, La Braderie is the biggest event of the year in this northern French city. It is essentially a huge street market where people sell their wares over two days and two nights, as well as being one big street party. The party goes on throughout the city centre and central station, and lots of eating of moules frites (mussels and French fries) ensues.

La Voix du Nord
La Voix du Nord is an Art Deco building on the southern side of place du Général de Gaulle, dating from 1932 and famously home to the Voix du Nord (‘Voice of the North’) regional daily newspaper. Look out for the gilded sculpture of the Three Graces atop the building, which is beautifully lit at night.

Lille Museum of Fine Arts
The late 19^th century Fine Arts Museum in Lille has an amazing collection of paintings from the 15^th to the 20^th century, including works by van Dyck, Rubens and Monet. For intricate porcelain and faïence (glazed earthenware) check out the ground floor, and for classical archaeology and ancient statuary have a look in the basement. Also in the basement are models of fortified cities of northern France and Belgium from the 1700s. Phone: +33 3 2006 7800.

Lille Museum of Modern Art
Le Musée d'Art Moderne is highly regarded in art circles and although a fair way out of town, is well worth the trek for those inclined. There are many weird and wonderful works here, including pieces by the likes of Braque, Calder and Miró, and of course, Picasso. Check out the huge new wing dedicated to Art Brut. Phone: +33 3 2019 6868.

Lille has its gastronomic roots firmly in Flemish traditions, and tourists will find numerous eateries throughout the town. The best thing about eating out in Lille is the atmosphere, which is laid back and relaxing. Everything from full-service restaurants to cosy cafés and fast food joints can be found near Palais des Congres, while any street within the confines of the city centre generally has a good helping of eateries.

Meat lovers will like charcuterie (a local red meat), which is succulent and found in a number of local dishes, while carbonnade flamande is a beef cooked in beer dish. Other specialities can be had at the Marché de Wazemmes (open market) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Meanwhile, those with a sweet tooth might also like to try out La Confiserie Meert, the oldest candy shop in town.

The old town (Vieux Lille) is a great place for shoppers and where brand-name stores and high-end boutiques can be found amid the narrow, cobblestone streets and quaint Flemish houses. Two of the best places for shopping in the old town are La Grande Palace and the market on the Place du Concert every Sunday morning.

Grande place square has one of the largest bookshops in Europe, Furet du Nord, while those after something different should check out Wazemmes Market on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday for items from all over the world, including from Asia and Africa.