The Good Life France Magazine




The Good Life France Magazine brings you the best of France - inspirational and exclusive features, fabulous photos, mouth-watering recipes, tips, guides, ideas and much more...


Published by the award winning team at The Good Life France

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2 years ago

Issue No. 25

In this issue, visit France from home - Gascony, and Provence, fabulous day trips from Paris, captivating Toulouse and charming Northern France. Recipes, guides and a whole heap more to entertain and inspire...

ART: Gare Saint Sauveur

ART: Gare Saint Sauveur One of the things I love about Lille is the way abandoned but spectacular buildings are converted into cultural venues. Gare Saint Sauveur, a former freight station built in 1861, is now an inspirational space where regular events, art exhibitions and performances are hosted. It houses a cinema, bar and restaurant, gardens and a summer pop up bar. The huge warehouses are perfect for showcasing art and I loved how the railway tracks were still in situ, a reminder of the past fixed in the present. It’s also one of the main Lille3000 venues, the legendary tri-annual, 9- month long art festival which takes place in the streets and public buildings of Lille city and surrounding districts. EAT: Bistrot de Saint So Bistrot de Saint So is part of the Gare Saint- Sauveur complex and is a great way to mix art and food. When you’ve finished feasting on the art in the former station, head to the very chic restaurant and enjoy some seriously good dishes. This place is super popular with the locals for lunch (Wednesday – Sunday) so make sure you book in advance on their Facebook page and enjoy dining on the fabulous large terrace watched over by a giant baby with a tail, or in the chic interior. I’m not sure the food makes your “hair sparkle” as they claim (with a big smile) but with fantastically tasty salads and a seasonal menu, I think they might just be right! It’s also open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for a trendy night of music with DJs and live performances, plus funky cocktails. .facebook. com/bistrotdestso

ART: Vielle Bourse Head to la Vielle Bourse, the former stock exchange, built in 1623. The courtyard hosts a second-hand book market (Tues-Sun, afternoons) on stalls under a vaulted walkway, alongside walls lined with fabulous carved friezes and sculptures. If you’re there on a Sunday night in the summer, join in the tango dancing under the stars. EAT: L’Atelier des Chefs Cook your own lunch or dinner with a chef tutor. At L’Atelier des Chefs offers you’ll improve your skills as you create a classic dish from scratch in just 30 minutes. You then get to enjoy eating your masterpiece at this fun cookery school. Great for individuals, couples and friends. Lunch time cooking course €17 Euros; gourmet dinner course lesson (one hour) where you’ll make a main course and dessert €38. Booking in advance is essential. ART: Tri Postal Located in the former postal sorting office, it’s neither a museum or art centre but a place of art and life say the staff. Temporary exhibitions, performances and workshops are held in this dynamic and exciting cultural venue. EAT: Coke Coke restaurant in the ex-offices of the old Mining Company of Lens, hence the name. It’s a majestic building designed by archi-tect Louis-Marie Cordonnier. Upstairs is an elegant, chandeliered dining room, down-stairs is modern and arty and a retractable glass roof makes it great for sunny days. Bold, playful and clever food is on the menu from a talented team working in a glass-fronted kitchen. It’s also a great venue for an aperitif with a swanky cocktail bar and music on Friday nights.