Lille, Rouen or Dijon for a day trip from Paris?

Question

Going to Paris for 6 or 7 days, setting one day aside for a day trip. My friend and I are 20 years old, not really interested in anything specific, but just nice to go on a daytrip to a sizeable city located max 2 hrs away from Paris that's cheap to get to. We want somewhere that will provide a different feel, visually, from Paris. Any other suggestions would be great. Not really interested at the moment in going to a sleepy location like Giverny etc.

Can anyone tell me what Lille is like?

thanks

Answer 1

Rouen is the nearest and would be the cheapest to get to and perfect for a day visit. It is a lovely city with a very different feel, architecture and city plan to that of Paris and it has more medieval landmarks especially in its oldest part, with picturesque old houses and narrow streets, quaint beamed buildings, beautiful gothic churches.There also is an amazing medieval clock that spans across a whole street and, of course, the Joan of Arc centre and the statue that stands where she was burnt alive. Lots of things to see, pleasant little restaurants where to eat and the modern part has nice shops. It is more compact than either Lille or Dijon so you would not have to walk so much.