Cologne - with the cathedral across the Rhine (photo © Hiro1775 / dreamstime.com)
Cologne - with the cathedral across the Rhine (photo © Hiro1775 / dreamstime.com)
France to Germany through Brussels
Lille and Cologne are two cities with very strong regional identities within their respective countries, but they could scarcely be more different. With a historical legacy dating back to the Romans, Cologne makes great play of its long-standing importance as an ecclesiastical and cultural centre. Lille is altogether more downbeat. Lille is radical while Cologne is conformist.
MAP Double click on the map (or double tap on mobile) to zoom in. You can connect onto other routes in places shown in red (just click/tap on the red map icon marking the place to reveal other routes linked to it). Zoom out of the map again by cliking the 'minus' sign at the top left of the map.
Whether you are making a long grand tour or just planning a couple of weekend breaks, Europe by Rail is the perfect guide. The book describes 52 key routes in detail. Together, they span mainland Europe and the British Isles. Find out more about the guidebook below.
