A Sunday stroll through the Wazemmes market

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, a strange broom takes to the streets of Lille's Wazemmes district. Hundreds of cars and vans head for the Place Nouvelle Aventure, a few hours before the thousands of regular visitors. A real weekly fixture, the Wazemmes market is a source of pride for the residents of this cosmopolitan district.

More than 150 years ago, the covered market opened its doors in an Art Deco atmosphere, making it one of the most emblematic buildings in the capital of Flanders. Since the latest renovations, metal, brick and glass blend harmoniously on the facades of this undeniably charming building. A few fishmongers, butchers and bakers set up their stalls here on a long-term basis, unlike the vagrant market gardeners who set up shop three times a week in the car park.

Located to the south of the centre and the old town of Lille, the Wazemmes district is multicultural, attractive and very much alive! It's a village in the city, with a unique atmosphere thanks to its conviviality, dynamism and many not-to-be-missed annual events, such as the Soup Festival and Carnival. With its large population, many students and young professionals come here to take advantage of the wide range of cultural, commercial and event activities on offer.

As the nerve centre of Wazemmes, the market brings together people from all walks of life for a family outing to combine business with pleasure. Many tourists come to stroll through the market, to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of this historically working-class district, which has been enjoying a renaissance in recent years. Street art, grocery shops from all over the world, typical Lille architecture and cosmopolitan inhabitants create a disconcerting harmony, well worth a Sunday stroll. A word of advice: wake up early, as parking spaces fill up fast!

Renowned for its varied selection and affordable prices, the Wazemmes market is also one of the biggest in Europe! In the spirit of a flea market, you'll find everything from fruit, vegetables, spices, flowers and ready-made meals to clothes, furniture and cosmetics...

In the Halles, prices are higher and the atmosphere a little more "bobo", ideal to complete the 1001 charms of Wazemmes. Outside, the unmissable roast chicken stall wins over the hearts of those attached to family traditions, for Sunday lunch. At the stall next door, some people fill up on fruit and vegetables, each more original than the last. The market's signature stalls of olives and oriental pastries are a weekly treat for taste buds with a taste for elsewhere.

Some foods are impossible to find in conventional grocery shops, and customers come from far and wide to find their own special shops and habits! Strolling through the stalls is like travelling through the smells and flavours of Asia, Africa, the Orient, the Mediterranean and the West Indies.

Clothes, fabrics and all kinds of non-food products are also on display three times a week. The bargains sometimes outweigh the quality, but the spirit of the summer markets is still there, where taking the time to stroll around is the best way to enjoy!

Around the car park, the terraces of cafés and restaurants are packed, attracting curious onlookers who have come to enjoy this open-air spectacle. With a beer or coffee in hand, take a break after wandering the aisles where thousands of visitors pass each week.

Two streets away, Le Boudoir coffee shop is ideal for brunch or a sweet treat, accompanied by a locally roasted coffee. On the savoury side, bagels, salads and toast in a variety of recipes are served with care and with a focus on local produce. For sweet treats, you'll find the classic Merveilleux de chez Fred, filled waffles, as well as cookies, cakes, mueslis, crumbles, etc...

• Address: 14 Rue des Sarrazins, 59000 Lille
• Opening times: 9.30am - 6pm Wednesday to Saturday, 9.30am - 2.30pm Sunday