Lille

Key Facts about Lille

1. Lille (Dutch: Rijsel) is a city in the Nord-Pas de Calais region, in northwest France,, very close to the border with Belgium.
   
   
2. Lille is located on the Deûle River.
   
   
3. As of 2005, the combined population of Lille. The metropolitan area of Lille (including areas in both France and Belgium) was estimated in 2007 as being 1,885,000.
   
   
4. The name Lille derives from "l'Isla" (meaning "the island", since the area was once marshy.
   
   
5. Archaeological research suggests that parts of the area that are now Lille have been inhabited since at least approximately 2000 BCE.
   
   
6. According to the legend of Lydéric and Phinaert, Lille was founded in 640.
   
   
7. The first written records mentioning Lille appear in archives from the year 1066.
   
   
8. Lille grew rapidly during the 19th century and early 20th century, because of the establishment of its textile industry and coal mining in the vicinity of the city.
   
   
9. During World War I, Lille was heavily damaged by fighting, and then occupied by the Germans from 1914 to 1918.
   
   
10. During World War II, Lille was again occupied by the Germans from 1940 to 1944.
    
    
11. After World War II, many of Lille's traditional industries went into decline. The city has however now reorientated its economy around services.
    
    
12. In 2004, along with the Italian city of Genoa, Lille was elected European City of Culture.

Weather in Lille

• BBC Weather forecast for Lille, France

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