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Lille, France 2025

One of the highlights of my Europe trip in 2025 was the day in Lille, France. A packed small city with so many things happening and with so much energy and vitality. I enjoyed its unique architecture, the flemish-influenced buildings as well as the colorful streets everywhere. On a bright day, it is an absolute joy! Like stepping into a fairy tale sweet shop in childhood's time.

It's more relaxing than in Paris in my opinion. Isn't it beautiful? Each corner is new photographic frame and opportunity!

Want the best to eat when you only have one day in Lille? If you have budget and want the best, look no else than in Restaurant PURETÉ and Rouge Barre!! Restaurant PURETÉ perhaps was the best meals I ever had in my life yet. Each dish is a surprise and explosion of flavors in mouth. 

The whole lunch is so well-balanced. I'm so inspired.

There are so many pastry shops. Two of them are your must-have! Aux Merveilleux de Fred and Méert!
Aux Merveilleux de Fred is known for its unique merveilleux cakes, baked fresh daily in Mall of the Emirates. The ​highly-rated patisserie, cherished by locals and tourists alike for its "heavenly," "cloud-like" meringues and the "best bread in Paris".

I ate the Merveilleux in train and it was so good!!! Must try!

A history of gourmetism and elegance Founded in 1761 in Lille, the Maison Méert (picture above) is one of the oldest pastries and confectionery in France still in operation. It is especially famous for its waffle stuffed with Madagascar vanilla, a specialty that has become emblematic.
I bought some gifts for my students in there and I had my favorite tea with herbs and Rhubarb in flavors there as well. A wonderful memories!
The day in Lille, I only bring one lens for everything that is the sigma 20mm f1.4 dg dn art. I love the ultra wide power of the lens and the images it created is special and detailed. You can not get the same architectural frame with a 24mm!! It just has a unique way of framing that is not too wide but just enough in the power of wide angle to reveal the scene.
Below is an example of 20mm. And sigma dg dn art promises to give you sharp image and great color!