Town Hall and Belfry

As the highest municipal building of France at 104 meters high, the Lille belfry (which is attached to the town hall) is certainly a must when in the north of France. Both the belfry and town hall are reminiscent of Flemish architecture with their typical triangular gables and red bricks – understandably, so, considering the border to Belgium is just a few kilometers away. The belfry was built in 1932 as part of the reconstruction of the town hall, which was, unfortunately, torn to pieces during the First World War. And although it is not in use anymore, the belfry contains a headlight that was once used to inform the population of imminent municipal gatherings. Because of how it dominates the city, the belfry offers unobstructed and unparalleled 360-degree views of Lille, and even surrounding areas on clear days. The city hall and its belfry have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005.

Practical Info

The Lille belfry and town hall is located on Place Augustin Laurent, within walking distance from Lille Grand Palais and Mairie de Lille metro stations. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30AM to 1:00PM and from 2:00PM to 5:30PM. Entry costs €6 per adult and €4 per child. Entry is free for everyone on the first Wednesday of each month. Binoculars and audio guides are available for rental at €1 and €2 respectively. There is a lift to the top of the belfry, but visitors will need to climb 100 steps to access the platform.