Lille or Paris ?

As a family with two kids (16y and 13y) we%26#39;re wondering if we should choose Lille or Paris to spend a midweek around New Year 2009.

We love to do a lot of things going from culture to shopping .... coulkd anyone help us to make a good choice ?

Thanks,

Paul.

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Three days or so is not too long for Lille, particularly if you get a transport pass for the Metropolitan Area that includes places like Roubaix. There is plenty to do without rushing from site to site. There is very active and helpful Tourist Office - www.lilletourism.com

As against that there is always Paris and it is hard to discourage peope from visiting the city. Its difficult but in view of the time of year and the length of the trip I would opt for Lille and send the kids to Paris when they can travel without you, and for you to go without the kids in tow.

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Lille should satisfy you and your children for at least three or four days with all of its museums, sites and monuments if they are of interest to you.

Shopping should be less expensive, but not cheap, compared to Paris.

Eating establishments vary from bars and bistros up to top quality restaurants.

A good book to beg, borrow or buy is Laurence Phillips %26#39;Lille 2nd edition%26#39; - everything you%26#39;d need to know about Lille and the surrouding area.

Paris is one of the top cities to visit and I think it is best seen without having children, of any age, in tow.

Everyone knows about the %26#39;sights%26#39; to see but the nightlife is also a major attraction and can only really be enjoyed to the full without children.

Leaving the children with a responsible relative or friend is one option unless you can wait until they fly the nest in a few years time.

Personably I%26#39;d go for Lille now and Paris at a later date.

Bon voyage.

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