Sightseeing

April 2013
(Place de la République, tel: 03 2006 7800) Want to see rarely exhibited drawings by Raphael, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Dürer? Strokes of Genius takes place at the Palais des Beaux Arts from 5 April to 1 July, and includes some exceptional Renaissance works from the museum's collection - one of the most important in France.

January 2013
Get an unusual insight into the friendship between De Gaulle and Adenauer, Europe's two great statesmen who laid the foundation for the European Union, at the Charles De Gaulle Birthplace Museum. Closed Monday and Tuesday (9 rue Princesse, tel: 03 2838 1205).

Key Areas

April 2013
Get the best view in town from the top of the imposing belfry that crowns the Town Hall. At 104m high, it is the tallest municipal building in France. Be warned there are 400 steps!

June 2012
Lille Piano(s) Festival is a musical celebration of classical, modern and experimental piano music, with top orchestras and soloists honouring this year Debussy and John Cage (lillepianosfestival.fr, 8-10 June).