ART: La Piscine & Street

ART: La Piscine & Street art Roubaix A short tram or metro ride from Lille, Roubaix's art-deco swimming pool turned museum with a world-class collection, is one of the most popular museums in France. Read more about it here. Roubaix has street art superstar status with an annual urban art festival (#XU), fabulous murals and two amazing studios dedicated to urban culture. Atelier RemyCo has 15 artists in residence including some well-known names (Mr. Voul and Freaks the Fab). Meanwhile Atelier Jouret hosts 40 artists: painters, sculptors, fashion designers and more. On the first Sunday of each month, you can visit the workshops, meet the artists and buy something unique from these hotshots of urban art. EAT: Meert at La Piscine Meert is famous for its jewel-like pastries and the most moreish waffles ever made. They’ve been making sweet things since 1761 and their famous shop in Lille is like stepping back in time. They also have a beautiful art deco tearoom and restaurant with a gorgeous terrace garden (perfect for sunny day lunches) at La Piscine museum in Roubaix. The menu reflects the world class exhibitions and really adds a little je ne sais quoi to your visit. The chef works with curators to design unique menus, with exhibition-theme influenced dishes (and there’s also a seasonal, classic French menu). Leave room for one of those famous desserts and waffles – you’ll be in good company, they were created for Belgian King Leopold 1!

ART: MUBA Eugène Leroy In the district of Tourcoing on the outskirts of Lille, the Museum of Beaux Arts has an excellent and substantial permanent collection from the 17th-20th century. EAT: Le Paradoxe Le Paradoxe, 3 Rue d’Havre by the museum. It’s a seriously funky restaurant located in the former Hospice which dates back to the 13th century. Far left: La Piscine; above middle, dancer and artist Yon Costes, Ateliers Jouret; above: artist Mr VOul, Ateliers Remyco Find details of all venues on the Lille Tourist Office website