Lille, a city at the heart of Europe
The region “Nord-Pas-de-Calais” is known for the quality of its hospitality and its dynamic young population. Given its location, Lille, which is the 4th largest agglomeration in France, puts Europe within reach. It is also located one hour from the seaside towns of the North Sea.
A young metropolis
With 28% of its inhabitants under the age of 20, Lille is the town in France with the largest percentage of young people. With more than 100,000 students, it is also the metropolis in France with the largest student population.
A dynamic economy
The metropolis has always had a strong trading tradition. The agglomeration of Lille occupies a key strategic role in the following areas:
• Mass retail, with companies such as Auchan, Décathlon, Castorama, Leroy-Merlin…
• Mail order (Trois Suisses International, Redcats)
• Personal credit (Cofidis, Finaref)
• The automotive industry (Peugeot-PSA, Renault, Toyota)
• The food-processing industry (Bonduelle, Lesaffre, Leroux)
A tourist destination
Thanks to its dynamism and cultural diversity, Lille was chosen, in 2004, as Cultural Capital of Europe. Today, it is one of the most visited towns in France for a short break. After the success of Lille 2004, a new cultural event, Lille 3000, will take place every 2 years, based around the themes of modernity and the cultures of the world.