This magnificent building is in the old part of town. I wandered away from the centre and walked down several streets until I came to this building, which is an estate agent's. I just love the decoration.

All is not lost. This lovely little Boulangerie may be taking an Easter break but many of the shops in Centre Ville are open and there are shoppers in there. Lille has a nice collection of local shops mixed in with the usual chains. I uncovered an enormous Carrefour next to the Eurocity station which sells a staggering variety of products. This shopping centre is where I have seen the biggest number of shoppers so far.

It is Easter Monday in Lille and the city is pretty much closed and empty. I have walked down several streets to be met with closed shops, closed bars and empty pavements. There is a little bit of entertainment going on in the main square with a dancing competition and a second hand fair happening in le Vielle Bourse. It is a dullish chilly day, so Lille is not at its best.

This Easter weekend I am having a little getaway in Lille. Despite TFL and Network Rail shutting down the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines, I was still able to get to Victoria Station with ease via Golders Green and the Northern Line. The Megabus service was surprisingly comfortable and the time flew by as I updated my blogs and gad a leisurely lunch. The coach zipped through London, we had a simple passport check and then drove into our train carriage. About 40 m...