The Belfry of Bailleul

Destroyed eight times, the oldest town in Flanders always managed to rise from its ruins, lovelier than ever, and its third belfry is evidence of its rage to live.

All that remains of the early building is a superb 12th century Gothic room on the ground floor. The rest, dating from 1924, is in attractive Flemish neo-Renaissance style.

A sign of modernity, a rotating beacon is installed in its upper louvre window; a way of recalling that Bailleul was a Chappe telegraph relay linking Dunkirk to Lille? Its bells are in the habit of pealing exactly one minute before the church, following an old bell tower quarrel. High above, the siren Mélusine watches over the town.

Only the carnival distracts her from her task. On mardi gras (Shrove Tuesday), Doctor Piccolissimo operates at the foot of the belfry on the “pisse-vinaigre” (skinflints) and the “mal-lunés” (those in a bad mood), throwing their guts into the delighted crowd !

Other information

Full price entrance :
3,50 €

Guided tour : French Dutch