The north of France is very fashionable at the moment. Maybe you missed it but France and Belgium are becoming crazy over a low-budget movie nicknamed Bienvenue chez les ch’tis which shows that North is not so grim afterall and might even appear very welcoming to some.

But maybe you’re not so keen on dipping stinking cheese on toast into coffee, one of the local rituals and would prefer to discover Northern traditions in a more traditional way. So if you’re planning to travel soon why don’t you try out the Lesquin or Europe Suitehotel in Lille and go explore the local restaurants?

L’Atelier de la Cour des Grands is a local restaurant very close to the Lille-Europe train station. There you can experience the full Northern Experience without its disadvantages. Many dishes are on the menu: for example cod with a watercress cream, truffles and bread or the pumpkin soufflé with scallops and crumbs of parmesan.

Don’t forget dessert either as the Atelier offers you, for example, the choice between a Melting fudge cake or the pear gratin perfumed with frangipane, the traditional stuffing of French king cake.

The atmosphere is relaxed and cosy and you can always finish the evening at the bar.

More informations

L’Atelier de la cours des grands
15, Rue François de Badts, 59110 Lille
Téléphone : 03 20 74 26 33

Closed on Sundays and mondays

© Normand Dis-moi tout

If the weather is any good indication, we are in March. We have to get ready to endure a full month of showers and freezing wind. That is why stopping for a full afternoon tea after a busy day is probably the best remedy. The year I spent at Sussex Uni definitely left its mark and I’m now a full supporter of sandwiches, scones and cakes in the middle of the afternoon even though I can really indulge myself because of my work schedule.

If you are staying at the Rouen Suitehotel, why not give in to temptation and have a tea, British Style ?

Right next to the cathedral, at Dame Cakes, in a small Art Deco boutique you can enjoy a hot chocolate or teas all afternoon. There are lots of cakes, crumbles and pastries of all sorts. They will give you a boost before you start shopping again. The pear-chocolate crumble is very well-know among connoisseurs but the menu change every few weeks so you will always be surprised no matter when you are visiting.

Dame Cakes is very cosy and you will almost feel like you are visiting a proper British tearoom in London.

Details :

Dame Cakes

70 rue St Romain

76000 Rouen

Tel : 02 35 07 49 31

-> See this good tip on Nomadsphere as well