Heading Off to Lille
Okay, so I figured a quick trip up to Lille from Paris would be a good change of scenery. Heard some decent things, and it’s not far, right? Decided pretty much on a whim a few days back.
Getting the train ticket was straightforward enough. Went online, picked a TGV train from Gare du Nord. Didn’t go for the super early one, needed my coffee first. Packed a small bag the night before, just the essentials.
The Journey Bit
Morning came, got myself ready. Took the Metro to Gare du Nord. That station is always buzzing, loads of people heading somewhere. Had to check the departure boards a couple of times to make sure I knew which platform, you know how it is. Found the right ‘voie’, easy peasy.
- Found my coach number.
- Hopped on the train.
- Stashed my bag overhead.
- Found my seat. Simple.
The train itself? A TGV. Pretty fast, does the job. It zoomed through the French countryside. Didn’t do much on the train, just looked out the window mostly. It’s surprisingly quick, barely over an hour I think. Honestly, not much time to get bored or anything.
Arriving in Lille
And then, bang, we were pulling into Lille. I got off at Lille Europe station. Stepped onto the platform, grabbed my bag. The station felt a bit more modern, less hectic than Gare du Nord, which was nice. First impression? Seemed alright, fairly clean, people moving about. Stepped outside the station to get my bearings. Okay, Lille, let’s see what you’ve got. Time to find my hotel and drop this bag.
