Villeneuve-d’Ascq is famous for its acclaimed modern art museum, cutting-edge science contributions and sports stadiums. Just outside the metropolis of Lille, Villeneuve-d’Ascq is near to vast green spaces, lakes and forests. Watch a movie in a modern shopping centre before taking on the physical tests in activity centre, Koezio.
The commune is known as the “Green Technopole” due to the influx of scientific researchers from the University of Lille. It is also home to many high-tech companies in the Haute Borne European Scientific Park.
Spend the day at one of the gigantic shopping centers, which are among the largest in the country. The Centre Commercial V2 was constructed in the 1970s. It has two levels with more than 150 shops. Visit its newer neighbour, the Heron Parc, where there is a multiplex cinema.
Watch a sporting event in the 50,000-seat Stade Pierre-Mauroy. The multi-use arena is currently home to LOSC Lille Métropole, which is among France’s elite soccer clubs. The city’s sporty vibe is emphasised by Koezio, which is a fun activity maze. It has physical challenges, such as ball pits and high ropes, and mental challenges, including a general knowledge quiz in English.
While strolling past the shops and cafés of the small city centre, drop in at the Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art. Peruse some of its 4,500 works of art in the spacious exhibition areas. Inspect masterpieces from some of the world’s most famous artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Alexander Calder. Enter the sculpture park and learn about art in the vast library.
Villeneuve-d’Ascq is among the most prominent cities in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in the north of France. The 135-mile (220-kilometre) drive north from Paris should take between 2 and 3 hours. Lille Airport is the nearest major transportation hub, at just 5 miles (8 kilometres) south of the city. The two cities are connected via the VAL metro line.
Sports, shopping and art are reason enough to visit the small town of Villeneuve-d’Ascq on the edge of Lille.
