I am not too into the layout of this department store...looks a bit jumbled…read more The cosmetics section looks crazy and too close to each other. However, this is the ONLY department store in North of France that carries MAC Cosmetics! NO JOKE! It's crazy to think there's not enough MAC Cosmetics running around this side of France.

It is another classic Printemps - what can one say? As with all other Printemps, this is a fairly…read morelarge store; it is housed in a building slightly off the main shopping streets of Lille. However, this does provide the benefit of the entrance not being difficult to get through! Another all in one store selling all sorts of items, from your simple snacks and sweets to some clothing items and decorative pieces. Whilst I was here, they were having a slight sale (not the fake type with only big signs, but some proper price reductions), so I did manage to pick up one or two things which seemed like bargains. Can be a bit hit or miss on the bargain front, but a walk through Printemps can always be relaxing.

From the owner: L'Epicerie Equitable est spécialisée dans la distribution et l'importation de produits alimentaires…read moreissus du commerce équitable, de l'agriculture biologique et de filières courtes. La logique est de systématiquement privilégier le produit lorsqu'il existe en local. La boutique de Lille est spécialisée dans les thés, tisanes, cafés au détail ou vrac. On peut aussi y boire toutes boissons (bio) chaudes au comptoir.

Nice reasonably priced department store chain. Got some odds and ends here while traveling. They…read moresell a lot of different things and have a food court upstairs. You can self checkout and tap to pay or use your smartphone.

*** CAFETERIA REVIEW ***…read more Hema is an everyday supply store popular in the Netherlands and Belgium. They sell things like basic clothes, umbrellas, food items, home supplies and stationery. But did you know that some Hema branches have cafeterias?? These cafeterias are a life saver in Belgium where traveling and eating out is quite expensive, an average sit down meal (even lunch) runs over 20 euros per person. Some days, especially as a traveler, you just want to sit down, have a square meal for not too much money, and catch up on the internet! If you agree with this sentiment and you are visiting Ghent, Hema is the lunch place for you! As an American the best comparison I can give is the Ikea cafeteria. I do think it was inspired from the Ikea model as an attempt to try and get more people through the door (you have to walk thru the whole store to get to the cafeteria.) You can get basic dishes like sandwiches, soups, pasta, and oddly enough, indonesian fried rice with satay, keropok and pickles (??????) Of course, the latter thing was so beguiling and so unexpected in Belgium that I had to get it. It ran me about 8 euros. Portion wise it was small, but then again, it is refreshing to get a square meal that is not America super sized. I definitely needed the small Coke I got to round out the meal. At the end of the day, definitely worth it and a refreshing savings over getting ripped off at even non touristy restaurants for a lot of money. You have the choice of eating indoors or on the balcony. I didn't try it, but the balcony seems nice as it looks out over Korenmarkt. I would recommend this for your coffee break in Ghent so you can have a great view while relaxing on a terrace. BTW, just like Ikea, when you are done you bus your table and store your tray in a rack. Wish we had this sort of place in the USA! ... and omitting Ikea, too far away from me :(

Huge huge mall. If…read moreyou like shopping, this is the place if you are in the area (or even within 2 hours away if you live here). Plenty of stores and plenty of food options. Huge parking garage right underneath it, making it super convenient. The Grande Place of Lille is about a 10 minute walk from here, making it a must to see.

Huge shopping mall next to the train station. Food court with american fast food restaurant like…read moreBurger King. On a chilly day it's a good place to shop and escape from the weather. I prefer small one of a kind shops nearby.

An absolute must on any visit to Brussels. My son recently teased me about an Easter basket and I…read moreneeded to remind him, I literally flew to Belgium to secure Easter chocolates from at least 7 different Belgium chocolatiers to prep his Easter gifts this year. If that doesn't keep me out of a nursing home, I don't know what will! Bestie and I finished our morning waffles and the chocolate shopping began. We went in every single shop and others around town. Thank goodness for cool temps because we had so many treats! This is a beautiful area to spend some time. We left with an extremely robust selection. A couple of my Easter bunny's from Mary's broke in transit back to the states but most everything else remained in tack. I loved admiring all of the store fronts decorated for Easter.

This uber famous "mall" is all the rage in the area. To walk it, one marvels at the long lasting…read morearchitecture and the innovation of concept at its time. The stores are definitely more high end, but this is a place to definitely seen and be seen. The holiday decor also elevated the experience and truly made the interior and atmosphere pop. Pro-tip: Go open opening hours to get to walk without the crowds and stay to people watch.