When it comes to cycling in Northern France, Paris-Roubaix is the first thing that comes to mind. Roubaix. A place name that is almost mythical. Heroes were made here, and heroines took their first shower in the barracks of the Velodrome André Pétrieux. The city of Roubaix is for many the reason to go to Northern France when it comes to cycling. Neighbour Lille (Rijsel) has something to say about that as well. This city is a wonderful place to start a nice ride, where you can leave the cobblestones of Mons-en-Pévèle and Carrefour de l'arbre in place. And where do you start your ride? At the newest cycling hotspot in Lille, called The STREET. We visited this coffee shop and bike spot and they immediately received the Cycling Destination Approved label.
Cycling and coffee
The fact that cycling and coffee are a good match is evident from the many Cycling cafes in the Netherlands, In Europe and beyond. The Straat in Lille effortlessly fits in with that. It took a bit of searching, because the location is a bit off the beaten track. When we walk in, the race is already underway (the Lombardy race is on TV) and immediately everything feels like cycling. There is a big sign on the front door that says the clothing brand Rapha, and you can see that in the shop as well. On the wall you see all kinds of cycling paraphernalia. From nameplates from time trials to signed cycling jerseys.
A few highlights:
- The leader’s jersey of Frank Vandenbroucke from the Tour of Austria. The pen has ‘VDB’ written on it.
- A Mapei knit by Johan Museeuw
- The worn race jersey of Tim Merlier from Paris-Roubaix 2022, including dirt!
You are literally drawn in. It’s wonderful.
Coffee and more
That a Cycling Destination Approved coffee location More than just a coffee shop, that’s clear by now. The coffee has to be ‘en point’ as well, and that’s exactly what it is. The beautiful Marzocco machine does its job well. It’s a warm day, but the iced coffees are delicious too. The banana bread calls to us and meanwhile ‘pan con tomate’ is being served to another visitor. The smells are delicious. Meanwhile, we marvel at the small details that make this place beautiful. The yellow Credit Lyonais lion that laughs at us on a shelf, the doorknob at the staircase where the bollentrui is incorporated. Those kind of nice things.
Clean bike – new gear
Owners Bastien and Clément are enthusiastic cycling enthusiasts. One of them even helped with the Tour start in Utrecht in 2015. The other enthusiastically recounts the Giro start in Apeldoorn when I tell them that I’m from the Netherlands. That enthusiasm takes on an extra dimension when they pull me into the back of the shop. There is a real bike washroom. A kind of oversized bathtub with everything on it. Next to it, the Rapha collection is displayed. Once you’ve just washed your bike, you can immediately put on some nice clothes. Wow, I didn’t expect that!
Social rides and more
Bastien and Clément really want this to be and remain the best cycling spot in Lille. They are doing everything to make it happen, including organizing social rides, guided tours, and more. During our visit, they apparently had a group of 40 people on the road, having a blast on the gravel. That’s not bad for a business that only opened a few months ago. You could say that it’s heading in the right direction.
De Straat is Cycling Destination Approved
We really didn’t expect this in Lille, especially since everything always revolves around our neighbor Roubaix. We were impressed and so De Straat has been awarded the Cycling Destination Approved label. We’re going to go back soon to make another nice ride. In the meantime, we’ve already put together a route that you can follow. With a nice wink to another course nearby, namely Gent-Wevelgem. You’ll find this top spot at Rue Negrier 60 in Lille!
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.