A Whirlwind Parisian Adventure: Lille's Pastries, Unexpected Train Troubles, and Parisian Panache

Lille beckoned with its charming architecture and rich history, offering a perfect escape for a day trip. Little did I know, this adventure would be filled with delectable pastries, unexpected mishaps, and a touch of Parisian flair.
The Early Start and a Train Ticket Mishap:
The day began before dawn. Exhausted from the previous day's quad bike tour, I managed to grab some sleep before a 6am rise. My mission: navigate the Parisian train system to meet my classmate and head to Lille.
The journey started smoothly at the Sentier stop, a neighborhood I already adore. However, navigating to the RER B train in the Châtelet les Halles metro station proved trickier. Thankfully, with a little teamwork and broken French, my classmate and I found a kind agent who steered us in the right direction.
A minor disaster struck at the airport security. My trusty Navigo pass, perfect for the metro, wasn't valid for the RER B to the airport. A €35 penalty later (ouch!), I learned a valuable lesson: always double-check tickets! The pain of the penalty was eliminated with le petit déjeuner (breakfast) which included a croissant and latte from a casual dining restaurant at the airport. 

A Pastry Paradise and A Delicious Detour:
Reunited with the group, we eagerly embarked on the true Lille adventure. Our first stop? A local treasure trove – the renowned Maison Méert, a tea and pastry shop steeped in history. Founded in 1677, this iconic patisserie boasts not only delectable treats but also stunning architecture designed by the acclaimed César Benvignat. Stepping inside was like stepping into a wonderland of culinary delights. Gourmet marshmallows, rose-covered almonds, and an array of pastries,each a masterpiece in its own right, filled the air with a tempting aroma.  Resisting the urge to sample everything, I settled on some gourmet marshmallows guimauves and a pistachio choux pastry with a tempting strawberry jam filling (saved for later!).

Savoring Tradition in Lille:
After indulging in these sugary delights, we strolled through Lille's charming streets, taking in the beautiful architecture and vibrant shops. Lunch was a delightful exploration of French cuisine at a traditional restaurant, La Chicorée. Following a friend's recommendation, I savored a delicious beef stew with fries – a comforting and classic choice. I indulged in a few oysters that were fresh from the sea - and the restaurant provided red tobasco sauce, lemon and a vinaigrette, which made the oysters delicious. 

From Designer Dreams to Bra Emergencies:
A visit to Hermès offered a chance to try on luxurious boots. I tried on, and loved the Saint Germain ankle boot, but needed a 1/2 size larger - I'll have to find these in Paris. While Montblanc provided a playful pit stop for some "manly purchases" with my classmates. Laughter ensued when I realized I'd forgotten to put on a bra in the morning before I left! The Parisian heat demanded a switch to a cooler outfit, but the thought of a braless crop top wasn't ideal. Thankfully, a helpful sales associate at Printemps guided me (in French!) to a lovely lingerie set from Wacoal, perfectly suited for the summer weather.

Me in the Hermès store

Hermès Saint Germain ankle boots

Crêpe Escape and a Relaxing Return:
The day's adventures concluded with a delightful Nutella crêpe with Chantilly cream, the perfect sweet ending. Sharing an Uber from the airport to Paris with classmates offered a chance to unwind and reflect on the day's whirlwind events.
Lessons Learned and Memories Made:
Lille's charm, unexpected hiccups, and the ever-present opportunity to practice French all combined for a truly memorable day trip. It's a reminder that sometimes, the detours and mishaps become the stories we hold most dear. N'oublie pas le dessert!  ​Don't forget dessert!