From dark days to the height of trendiness

It is quite hard for foreigners to understand just how much Lille has changed over the past twenty years. One of the most striking examples of Lille’s transformation is the gentrification of the Old Town. The Old Town used to be one of the most unsafe and derelict parts of the city, but nowadays it is full of bars, restaurants and luxury shops. There is one place that symbolizes this more than anywhere else: la Rue de la Clef.

If you asked my father what he thinks about this street, he would tell you about the reputation it used to have: a filthy, dark street where prostitutes waited for clients; a place you didn’t want to go at night; a dangerous location. Now Rue de la Clef is the complete opposite: a place where you might like to take a Saturday stroll. All the buildings have been refurbished and are now occupied by trendy clothing shops and cafes.

I have two favourite places on Rue de la Clef: la Sorcière Verte, a fancy papeterie where you can find anything related to books, journals, and fine handcrafted paper. Most of my female friends are great fans. My other favourite is a bar on the Place des Patiniers called Au Point Central; it’s a wonderful place to have a coffee or a hot chocolate.

I like to walk down Rue de la Clef, especially at this time of the year in the late afternoon. There is always something special about it; it is quite lively with lots of people on the street going in and out of the different shops and cafés. It has a warm atmosphere that attracts you and the illumination gives the street a je ne sais quoi. Moreover, this street is a transition from the city centre and an introduction to the wonders that await you in the Old Town.