"Bixente's new Lille Page" a Lille Travel Page by Bixente

Lille is the fourth largest city in France and is situated in the Nord-pas-de Calais region. There are 1,100, 000 inhabitants based in the Lille Métropole. There are many advantages to becoming a student in Lille. Lille has many close links to other equally interesting French towns thanks to its excellent location.

Paris is only one hour away by TGV and the historic towns of Amiens and Arras and the ports of Calais, Boulogne and Dunkerque are all nearby. Other countries are also within easy reach. Brussels takes only half an hour by train and London Amsterdam and Paris are reachable.

Regarding student life, Lille has within it's district many institutes of study and can boast around 100,000 students with 14 engineering schools, 5 business schools, a journalist institute and the largest political science school in France. A law school and then four main universities complement these schools.

Lille is a very historic town and was founded in the year 640. In the 19th Century Lille earned its place in France as a city renowned for its textile industry. One century on Lille has turned its back on the textile industry and moved into the more modern services industry.

Lille itself although, one of the largest cities in France has only the feel of a large town and is easily travelled around by using many ways. Lille is divided into "quartiers" and each one of these areas are has something to offer, whether it be museums, cafes, restaurants or just places of special interest. Lille has a very multicultural society offering a mix of not only French culture, but the opportunity to experiences others.

The "Lillois" (people of Lille) are generally very friendly and offer any student, of any nationality, the chance to integrate themselves into French society.