During this time of year, I love wrapping up and exploring somewhere new – not to mention, it’s the perfect excuse to immerse myself in the festivities. I discovered a charming city, located less than two hours from the UK, that offers an idyllic day out with its cobbled, narrow streets and fairytale backdrop.

For something a little different, I took the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Lille,  France, a city near the border of Belgium, for a day out. With the Eurostar taking just an hour and 23 minutes, it was one of the easiest journeys I’ve ever taken, and I arrived in Lille just before 11.30 am, having boarded the Eurostar at 9 am in London.

Just a short walk away from the train station, I found myself in the heart of the French city after an easy route following the main road. Having visited on Friday, 5 December, Lille was immersed in the Christmas spirit, with sparkling lights decorating colourful buildings and its Christmas Village taking place in the city centre.

From 19 November to 30 December, Lille is brimming with festive merriment with its enclosed Christmas market that offers a wide range of gifts and mouthwatering dishes, including cheese fondue and stroopwafels. Lille also welcomes a big wheel to admire the city, a chalet-style bar, carousel and festive displays during this time of year, with the city illuminated in festive lights.

However, the city offers much more than just its Christmas village, which I discovered as I wandered around the charming places. 

My attention was first caught by the fairytale-like architecture that fills the city, with many buildings boasting Flemish influences with stepped gables and ornate stonework. I was transfixed by the Beaux-Arts style facades in red, yellow and cream that lined the city’s square and paths leading off in various directions.

I was also taken aback by the Église Saint-Maurice de Lille, a stunning Catholic church in the city centre with its Gothic features. I marvelled at the back of the church before walking around to find the entrance, which was just as mesmerising.

Following my feet rather than a map, I explored the narrow and winding cobbled streets, with yellow-tinted glass pastries displaying freshly baked goods, to cosy coffee shops and inviting taprooms – a nod to their close proximity to Belgium. Turning another corner, I found a square where locals sat outside sipping espressos as they caught up on their day.

But among this peaceful and captivating city, there was a grey concrete cathedral that really took me by surprise. I later found out that it was the Lille Cathedral, also known as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de la Treille, which was officially completed in 1999.

While the inside of the cathedral is rather breathtaking, the front exterior looks as if it’s made of grey concrete tiles, and I found it to be a bit of an eyesore. It was certainly not the backdrop I had envisioned as I sipped my Christmas coffee. The grey architecture is of the neo-Gothic style and is said to convey a half-ancient, half-modern appearance, making it particularly unique, despite its unusual allure.

As I explored further, I found a beer and waffle house just beside Cathédrale Notre-Dame, and well, I couldn’t resist. As the name suggests, the Beer Square offers craft beers and waffles – it really is the best of both worlds.

The relaxed environment proved to be the perfect spot for people-watching over the square while enjoying a refreshing beverage. Not to mention, it caters to everyone, whether you’re looking for a beer or coffee – there’s no judgment here, as I saw from locals.

Further in the city, I found quaint French shops scattered around every corner, and quickly discovered that this was the perfect place for some retail therapy. From fashion to jewellery, homeware, and those stores that sell absolutely everything, I found myself lost in each shop I stumbled into, and they were fantastic for some gift inspiration – I just wish I had more time to browse through them all.

I could have wandered around the pretty cobbled streets for hours, finding another hidden gem around every nook and corner. Ending my day, I admired a church poking through at the end of the high street during sunset for yet another enchanting scene that felt straight out of a fantasy book.

I spent around seven hours in Lille, and while I certainly made the most of my time, I wish I had longer, but it’s well worth it for a day out. Whether you’re looking to hit the shops, sample the local delicacies, or take in the awe-inspiring structures that fill the city, you can really get lost in time, as I found out.

• Eurostar offers direct routes to Lille from London St Pancras International – find out more and book on eurostar.com. 

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