Serving as a capital of Flanders during all the Middle Ages, the town was passed to France by the Flanders government in 1312. Later the town was also passed to Austria and Spain and then it returned to France again and made a showplace of French power and glory. But it was not the end of its adventures: it was seized by Eugene, Prince of Savoy, together with the English headed by the Duke of Marlborough, and then it again returned to France. It suffered severely during both World Wars.
Today Lille (or Ryssel in Flemish) grew into the most important city in northern France, and is considered to be the fourth biggest city in the whole country. Due to its reverses of fortune and a number of universities the population of the city is young.
Lille is not pampered by both fate and weather. But you can always find a shelter in one of its taverns. If you are going to visit the city, the best season to choose is summer.
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