Lille. France

Lille may be France's most underrated large city. In recent years, this once-gritty industrial metropolis =shrugged off its grey image and transformed itself into a shimmering cultural and commercial center. Highlights for tourists include an attractive old city with a strong Flemish influence, art museums, chic shopping, excellent eateries and a student-driven nightlife scene. Locals have a reputation for friendliness – and are so proud of being so that they often mention it!