Lille - The City that’s Actually not so Lil

Lille is a quaint little French town, tucked away in the northern region of the country. But don’t let the name fool you. This city, with its bustling streets and lively cultural scene, is anything but small.

To understand the essence of Lille, one must delve into its rich history, which dates back to the early Middle Ages. Legend has it that the city was founded by a giant named Lydéric, who butchered a dragon that was terrorizing the region. In honor of his bravery, he was elected as the city’s first mayor, and his legacy lives on to this day.

But Lille’s true claim to fame came in the 17th century, when it became a thriving center of the textile industry. This sparked an era of growth and prosperity, and the city soon drew immigrants from all over Europe, each bringing with them their own unique customs and cultures.

These diverse influences have culminated in the Lille of today, a lively city that’s full of surprises. Take, for instance, the famous Braderie de Lille, a giant street market that happens every September. Here, vendors sell everything from antique furniture to rare books, and revelers dance and drink until the wee hours of the morning.

But what truly sets Lille apart is its culinary scene. Visitors to the city can sample the local delicacies, including the famous moules-frites (mussels and fries), and wash it down with a glass of Ch’ti, the beloved local beer.

In fact, the people of Lille are so attached to their cuisine that they’ve even created their own dialect, known as Ch’ti. This quirky language is characterized by its distinctive pronunciation and unique vocabulary. For instance, instead of saying “ça va?” (How are you?), locals might say “ch’est qui cha?” (Who’s that there?).

But don’t worry if you don’t speak Ch’ti - the people of Lille are known for their warm hospitality and are always eager to welcome visitors to their city. And who knows, you might just fall in love with Lille and decide to stay, like many before you. After all, as they say in Ch’ti: “À Lille, on y vient, on y revient, et on y reste.” (In Lille, you come, you come back, and you stay.)