Lille

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Lille is in Northern France on the border with Belgium.

Hitching Out

Getting out of Lille is quite difficult, but not impossible.

A22/E17 North towards Antwerp

<map lat='50.62420185009975' lng='2.995147705078125' zoom='10' view='0' float='right'/>

You can avoid getting stuck in Lille by getting out at the last gas station on the A1. "Aire de repos de Carvin" is quite a big station, good for hitching, and it's 15km due south from the centre.

Otherwise, take the tramline T to Chateau Rouge. As you get out, you'll see the motorway directly in front of you. The spot is the motorway sliproad. When I was there there wasn't a lot of traffic, but there is an additional lane which allows drivers to safely pull in and pick you up.

A1 South towards Paris

The best way to get to Paris is to take the metro to "Porte d'Arras". From there walk in the direction of the motorway, cross the bridge and then make a left and you will see an accelarating lane going onto the ring. You may want to aim for the direct ride to Paris and have a "Paris" sign but you can also play it safe and have an "Aire de Phallampin" sign which is the first gas station on the A1 going to Paris. [User:Garthelgard|Garthelgard]] has hitchhiked from this spot more than twenty times and has never waited more than 30 minutes.

A22/E17 South towards Paris

Take the tramline line T to Chateau Rouge. As you get out, you'll see the motorway directly in front of you. The spot is the motorway sliproad - you'll see it signposted 'Paris'.

When I was there there wasn't a lot of traffic, but there is an additional lane which allows drivers to safely pull in and pick you up. The problem is that not all the cars taking this route are going to be heading south - make a sign and be patient. International Bob stopped a number of cars here, and got onto the A1 within an hour.

Sleep

Lille is expensive and is not very comfortable for the outdoor person. You probably won't have much of a problem with the police, but the drunks take being lunatics very seriously and they don't ever seem to pass out and leave you alone. As a result, you'll be met with all sorts of unwanted babeling conversation and one even tried to strangle Zactalk with a belt. Gare Lille Flandres is especially unhospitable.