Climate here is generally similar to the UK, though winter winds seem even more chilly here.

There is never a bad time to visit Lille and the attractions remain available throughout the year.

You retain the good feeling of being on a break whenever you arrive throughout the year. A balanced mix of tourists and locals mean it does not get overcrowded yet an energetic atmosphere remains.

That said, the Christmas markets are very popular (late November onwards), and the spirit of an old fashioned Christmas with an alpine theme is evoked throughout December.

There is also a huge flea market “La Braderie de Lille”, which takes place on the first weekend of September, and when the city grinds to a halt.

Generally the peak times, as far as tourism goes, are spring and autumn – March to June and September to December.