Lille, France 🇫🇷
#336
50.629099, 3.059707
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lille is a vibrant city in northern France, known for its rich history, architecture, and cultural life. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 233,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average fixed broadband speed is around 60-80 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Euro (EUR). Current exchange: 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and tested for safety. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, ⚡ Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb and local real estate sites like Seloger. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in most shops and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Maison de l'Isle offers affordable lodging for budget travelers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Lille's Café des Sciences is a popular coworking space with a relaxed atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Paix is known for its comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com is a great resource for finding local gatherings, especially in tech and startups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Lille Expats Facebook Group organizes regular meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used in Lille for convenient transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Lille has a bike-sharing system called DEDICACE, and electric scooters are available via Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Lille is about 70 minutes away, known for its sandy shores. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air France provides regional services connecting Lille with other French cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM and Lufthansa serve international flights from Lille Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Nearby A1 and A25 highways provide easy access to Paris and Belgium. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lille Europe Station connects to various domestic and international destinations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Lille’s public transportation offers monthly passes available at kiosks for €43. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train networks (SNCF) connect Lille efficiently to areas such as Roubaix and Tourcoing. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | CHRU Lille is the main hospital and offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Lille Yoga offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit Lille is a popular gym chain known for its affordability. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavoir-Lille provides self-service laundromat options throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Deliveroo are popular for food delivery in Lille. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Potjevleesch, a traditional meat dish served cold, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Bistronome offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Meert is famous for its delicious waffles and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Marché de Wazemmes offers fresh produce and local delicacies at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.fr and CDiscount are popular online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Frichti offers grocery delivery services in Lille. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue de la Monnaie is a trendy area with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Lille is known for its craft beers and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Vinothèque offers a curated selection of wines from the region. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Le Marché de la Gare has numerous street food options every weekend. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Le Royal offers diverse Asian cuisine options in the heart of Lille. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Grand Place and Palais des Beaux-Arts are iconic landmarks in Lille. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Palais des Beaux-Arts hosts an impressive collection of art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Stock Exchange (La Vieille Bourse) is a charming historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Basilique Notre-Dame de la Treille is a notable modern cathedral. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Lille3000 hosts events celebrating local and international arts and culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Vieux Lille district is known for its beautiful architecture and artsy vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Le Nouveau Siècle hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché de Wazemmes is a vibrant local market with fresh produce and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Le Metropole and L'Aeronef are popular venues for live music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Lille is known for its public art displays and vibrant murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | L'Atelier des Chefs offers cooking classes focusing on French cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie X provides a platform for contemporary artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The La Librairie Furet du Nord is an iconic bookstore housed in a historic building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city’s Flemish heritage is evident in its architecture and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parc de la Citadelle offers a picturesque park for walking and picnics. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut is a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Lille has many scenic cycling paths along the Deule River. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Belfry of Lille provides stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Lille Zoo offers a quiet place for nature observation. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Parc de la Citadelle are permitted for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Colissimo and Chronopost provide efficient parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iShop offers trusted Apple devices repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Lille Table Tennis Club has facilities for enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Lille Langues offers various language courses for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Médiathèque Jean Lévy provides study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Maison des Associations is a cultural hub for local activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game in Lounge offers a space for gamers with consoles and PCs. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Barrière Lille offers various gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., a studio of 30 m² = €96,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., a studio of 30 m² = €75,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €180,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €224,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is currently 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The standard rate for dividends is 30%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The French tax system operates on a progressive basis. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, France has strict CFC regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is applicable and based on the estimated value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The standard property transaction tax is around 7%. |