Lille, situated at the heart of a veritable cross-border conurbation of 1.6 million inhabitants (87 towns and villages), is the capital of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region (4 million inhabitants). The city has an advantageous geographic position, close to the major decision-making centres of northern Europe; Paris, London, Brussels, Amsterdam and Luxemburg.

Lille airport serves over 20 national and international destinations, and the city is less than one hour from Paris - Charles de Gaulle airport and one hour by car from Brussels Zaventem.
Lille has two major railway stations, one of which serves the surrounding region (Lille Flandres - 60,000 passengers per day) and the other which serves national and international destinations (Lille Europe - 15,000 passengers per day).

Lille's economic mutation has been built upon these new transport infrastructures (Eurostar, Thalys...), placing the city just one hour by high-speed TGV train from Paris, 35 minutes from Brussels, 55 minutes from Charles de Gaulle airport and 1 hour 20 minutes from London.

The attraction of the Lille area in terms of economic inward investment is favoured by the availability of prime real estate potential in the form of dedicated business parks, specialised according to different economic sectors. For example, the centrally situated Euralille welcomes tertiary businesses, whilst Eurasanti is dedicated to the healthcare sector and, finally, Euratechnologies is a new pole of excellence in the domain of the latest technologies.

The economic dynamism of Lille means that the city is the home of 4 out of 6 of the "poles of competitivity" in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region: Up-Tex (textiles), Nutrition-Health-Longevity, Industries of commerce and Materials for domestic use.

Designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2004, Lille today meets the expectations of economic decision-makers and attracts increasing numbers of tourists.

Indeed, Lille is becoming more and more established as a tourist destination. The rich architectural heritage of the city, its cultural diversity and festive atmosphere (including the great 'Braderie' flea-market held on the first weekend each September) are among the reasons bringing many visitors from across France and abroad.

The fact that the two railway stations are in the city centre enables visitors to enjoy a stay in Lille on foot, wandering through the shops or walking to a museum such as the Musie des Beaux Arts (Fine Arts Museum).

The vibrancy of Lille 2004 European Capital of Culture and many other cultural events, such as those organised on the theme of India as part of the Lille 3000 festival, demonstrate the youthful 'joie de vivre' of the city.

Lille has a great variety of shops and businesses, from small local stores to major international names, including the arrival of the Galeries Lafayette in new 13,000 m2 premises in the pedestrianised city centre planned for September 2007.