Lille is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France and the core of one of the largest metropolitan agglomerations in the country. Historically, it has also been the capital of Flanders, and later an industrial powerhouse, thanks to which it now boasts a large and handsome historic centre. Today, it is known as a major economic and academic centre, with a very large student population. Situated at the literal crossroads of Europe, Lille is within a 90-minute train ride from Paris, Brussels and London.

Lille is France's fifth largest metropolitan area, and its most northerly. The city sits on the Deûle River, very near to the border with Belgium. While the city is moderately sized (233K inhabitants as of 2018), over 1.2 million people live in the French side of metropolitan area, while the cross-border metropolitan area, which covers both French and Belgian territory and includes Kortrijk and Tournai, is estimated to have more than 2.1 million inhabitants. It is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region and the prefecture of the Nord department.

Lille is a cultural and commercial hub with a wide range of restaurants, bars, clubs, museums, shopping malls, and more. A highlight is the old city with beautiful, Flemish influenced architecture. The night life, thanks to the city's large student population, is cutting edge and lively. It is a diverse, dynamic, and beautiful city--there is something in Lille that will appeal to everyone.

- Wikivoyage