Exploring Europe – Strolling Through Downtown Lille With My Macro Lens

This isn’t your typical travel blog. Not even close. If you’re looking for a deep dive into the history of Lille, Wikipedia has you covered. Want tips on what to see, where to eat, or what to buy? You might be in the wrong place.

But—if you’re here to admire charming French architecture, soak in the beauty of ornate facades, catch glimpses of motorbikes, two decks of cards, a clock tower face, and some delightfully uneven cobblestone streets—then you’re exactly where you need to be.

A quick note: I’m an amateur photographer, still figuring things out one photo at a time. And I shoot exclusively with my beloved macro lens. Yes, there were moments I wished I had something more versatile—say, a 50mm—but I worked with what I had. Hopefully, I did… well-ish. What do you think?

Of course, no travel post of mine would be complete without a mention of food and drink. Nothing too fancy this time—Italian with a hint of French: pasta and a croque monsieur. Add a couple of cappuccinos and a bottle of champagne, and voilà—our travel dining summary. Why champagne, you ask? Because traditions matter. If we’re away for at least one night, bubbles are a must. A lovely little ritual we wholeheartedly recommend.

I love French architecture—though putting that love into words is no easy task. Maybe it’s the tall front doors, the facades lined with rows of windows, the tiny chimneys perched on rooftops, or the promise of high ceilings tucked behind narrow staircases. I could go on. And below, you’ll see some of that and more.

What do I mean by “and more”? A couple of bikes—including one from Ducati—three watches from the Swatch store, a few stunning sculptures, and, surprisingly, some striking modern buildings.

Until now, I had only visited Paris and Strasbourg. With Lille, I can finally add a third French city to the list. More to come, I hope—and with each trip, maybe my photography skills will grow a little, too.

So grab a cup of coffee or tea, treat yourself to a tasty snack, and enjoy this photo journal.