Seasons

Seasons inFrance3greatwinterbreakdestinationsthe UNESCO listed belfry – the highest inthe world and an art deco masterpiece, andif shopping is your thing – you’re spoiledfor choice with more than 400 shops fromunique boutiques to flagship French favouritesincluding Louis Vuitton and Printemps.DECEMBERLille – cobbled streets andoodles of characterLille, the capital of Hauts-de-France, is atremendous city to visit in winter months withmuseums galore and indulgent cuisine, andin December the festive decorations addextra sparkle.Wander the cobbled streets of old Lille andadmire the architecture which includesmedieval buildings, 17 th century Flemish townhouses, and art deco. Enjoy the lively caféculture of the Grand Place where you’ll alsofind the Vielle Bourse, the 14 th century stockexchange with its dazzling décor. There aremore than a dozen museums in Lille andmust-sees include the Palais des Beaux Arts,one of France’s richest museums; the worldclass La Piscine museum in Roubaix (a fewstops by metro); and l’Hospice de Comtesse,a former ancient hospital dating to 1237, nowa fabulous art and history museum. ClimbLille is a favourite French foodie destination– the city is brimming with restaurants, cafés,estaminets (traditional Flemish eateries),brasseries, bistros and bars. Try the local dishcarbonnade, beef cooked in beer and sugarwith gingerbread, and beer lovers will enjoythe many micro-breweries in town includingLa Capsule, the oldest bar in Lille, and Hein!one of the newest where they launch a newbeer to trial every few weeks.JANUARYMarseille – cuisineand cultureMarseille in the south of France is a majorcultural destination with fabulous museums,dazzling architecture, restaurants that packa gastronomic punch, plenty of sunshine andloads to do – even in the heart of winter.Founded by the Greeks 2600 years ago asa major port city, Marseille’s style has beeninfluenced by the many peoples who havepassed through it over the centuries. Thefamous Notre-Dame de la Garde cathedralwas inspired by Byzantine architecture, thereare Haussmann-style buildings, and thenarrow streets of Le Panier, where Marseillewas born, the oldest district in town is full oftypically southern French colourful facades,home to artists’ studios, boutiques and quaintbars. And in the Vielle Port, the mirroredcanopy of Sir Norman Foster is a uniquequayside attraction.With some 30 museums, you’ll never run outof places to go. Mucem is one of the biggestwith an enormous permanent collectionspanning prehistoric to modern day, andregular temporary exhibitions. There’s also themuseum of the Roman Docks, Soap Museumand the unusual Underwater Museum whereyou can take a guided dive to view submergedsculptures.Marseille’s gastronomy is like Rome meetsIstanbul with a unique Mediterranean andFrench flavour. You’ll find all manner ofrestaurants selling everything from kebabs tobouillabaisse, the local speciality, a mouthwateringspicy fish stew that’s crammedwith fish and flavour. Restaurants around thequayside are popular but head off the beatentrack to find authentic restaurants - the areaaround the vibrant quarter of Cours Julien isthe locals favourite for restaurants and bars.90 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 91