On a business trip to Lille, France
Positively surprised was I, Business Travel Consultant Jeanine, When I was with my friend for a day in Lille. Initially Our final destination was Tours, where we have a weekend to family would go. Of course hadden we just going by car to Tours be able to travel, but I wanted to be able to experience what it is like to work with the TGV - the French high-speed train Train à Grande Vitesse - to travel. And laat well exactly a direct TGV train from Lille to Tours go! In addition, I wanted to experience for myself what it is like to transfer from Lille Flandres to Lille Europe, Lille's two train stations. So said, so done!
Lille or Lille
To most Dutch people, Lille is known by the French name Lille while Flemish people generally use the name Lille. The city's Latin name was Ad Insulam, which means near an island. This was translated into French as l'isle which later became corrupted to Lille and in Old Dutch as Toor IJsel which became corrupted to Lille. Both names have always been used side by side throughout history and are about the same age. Today, the name Lille is almost exclusively used in Flanders, mainly on road signs with the name Lille in brackets. Many Flemish people still use the name Lille, but this is likely to change in the long run. During your visit to the city, you will hardly encounter the name Lille.
The nice thing about Lille is that it is so nice and compact. You can easily discover everything on foot. Especially the old center, Vieux Lille, is mij remembered. Beautiful buildings, cozy narrow streets and lots of cute boutique shops. Anyway, you get your money's worth here, if you like shopping. At the TGV–station is located Euralille, a large, modern, spacious, indoor shopping center.
Museums in Lille
Lille is known for its wonderful museums. These can be found in all shapes and sizes in and around the city. Lille's most famous museum is probably the Palais des Beaux-Arts. According to some sources, this museum has the second largest general art collection in France after the Louvre. The various museums in Lille regularly host major exhibitions and displays.
Drink time!
Lille has lots of nice restaurants and terraces. We ourselves were surprised by the wide range of Belgian specialty beers. Although France is known for its wines, you absolutely must taste beer in Lille. Lille and the surrounding area have several beers and delicious gins.
I also have some good tips for a restaurant visit with your business appointment, for example:
- Rozo (Michelin star): top products worked with finesse, distinct flavors, dishes prepared at an equally high level. Diego displays everything he has learned over the course of an impressive career (Marc Meurin, Alain Ducasse), and already has its own signature dishes: boiled, raw and pickled mushrooms with acidified watercress; lamb with shellfish. Elegance contemporary decor. Located in Vieux Lille.
- Aromebase: a uit outstanding restaurant in the heart of Lille, serving refined cuisine. The decor is modern and tight and operation is very service-oriented and hospitable. The map is French and Healthy.
- Restaurant Sebastopol: dhe chef loves tradition, with its obligatory gravies and sauces, but that's not all: he embellishes his dishes with surprising and personal combinations. Mussels with pork shoulder or pieces of foie gras with cod fillet... And best of all: it's a treat! The menu is deliberately concise and is regularly updated.
Accessibility from Lille
Lille Flandres- Lille Europe
Soas previously mentioned disposes of Lille about two train stations, Lille Flandres and Lille Europe, connected to each other its. The distance between the two stations is about 500 meater, what about a 6-minute walk is. The Eurostar, TGV and Thalys arrive at Lille Europe. The Intercity, regional trains and some TGV trains arriving in Lille Flandres. From Lille Europe, the Eurostar goes to London in just an hour and a half!
By car, you travel in about 3 hour of Utrecht to Lille.
Business accommodation
There are numerous lodging options in Lille. Most hotels are located in or near the historice center. Also in the new neighborhood Euralille a number of beautiful new hotels have sprung up. This district is mostly home to business hotels. In most cases, there is a very good value for money. Hereby some tips for hotels during your business trip:
- Novotel Lille Centre Gares ****
A three-minute walk from the Lille train station Flandres and 10 minutes from Lille Europe station, this hotel enjoys a privileged location just outside the center of Vieux-Lille. With Street-art and a musical stage welcoming local artists, Novotel Lille Centre immerses Gares Immediately immerse yourself in the warm local ambiance of the Flemish capital. A 15 m² conference room is ideal for your business meetings. Genjoy the quiet terrace or a beer from the taproom. Head to the Gourmet Bar to sample regional meats and fish, all smoked on site. And to burn off those calories, head to their modern gym!
- Hotel L'Arbre Voyageur - BW Premier Collection ****
Every room is a dream in itself. The rooms are all unique and decorated differently. Recharge your battery in thethem spacious and in the luxury rooms. Pamper yourself in addition with the inventive cuisine created by chef Jean Christophe Gille. One of the two restaurants, Le Jane or Ma Reine, is undoubtedly perfect for you. Discover a delicious and varied menu based on local products ... all with exotic influences. L'Arbre Voyageur is also very suitable for meetings & events in a luxurious and original setting in the center of Lille.
- Ibis Styles Lille Centre Grand Place***
Design budget hotel open to creative minds. The ibis Styles Lille Centre Grand Place is ideal for cultural stays or business trips. It is located in the heart of the city, close to the metro and Lille- train station.Flandres, and 10 minutes from Lille Europe TGV station. The hotel and its 1001 colors is the ideal place for a good night's sleep in Lille with its air-conditioned rooms, walk-in shower, super-soft box spring, mattress and fantastic "sweet by ibis" topper, with its cocooning comforter.
Doing business in France
Lille is a university city and boasts many textile industries. Many roads also cross in Lille, making it an important economic center.
That French people love rules is a well-known fact. Clarity, respect for hierarchy and good agreements are highly valued. "Also keep in mind that French people want participation and codetermination. They don't like it To simply impose things get", Whoever wants to enter the French market must also have a real presence in the country. Heyt is recommended to set up a branch office in France, with a French address and telephone number. Hhe French chauvinism is there namely still. A chauvinism that also has its good sides. Precisely because you start working on a very personal level, person and company also become one. If you say something negative about a French company, the French manager will take it very personally.
Travel Well!
Jeanine Vermue
Business Travel Consultant
Sources consulted: Affairs with the French. Doing business effectively in France, Pieter Dewaele, Bibliodroom Publishing, 2018: Lillevoorbeginners.nl, allesoverlille.nl