The Belfry of Douai

When staying in our region in 1837, Victor Hugo was particularly struck by Douai’s belfry.

Here is how he described it to his daughter Adèle: "Picture a Gothic tower, topped with a slate roof, which is composed of a multitude of little conical windows superimposed; on each window is a weather vane, at all four corners a turret; at the peak of the belfry is a lion which turns with a flag in its paws; and from this whole ensemble, so amusing, so mad, so lively, comes a peal of bells".

This set of 62 bells, one of the largest in Europe, dates back to the building of the belfry (which began in 1380 and finished in 1475).

In 1391, the aldermen gave Jehan Lourdel the task of “batteler les appiaulx” (ringing the peals) to mark the rhythm of the town’s life. He was the first in a long line of 35 bell-ringers, uninterrupted up to now !

Other information

Full price entrance :
3,80 3,80 €

Guided tour : French English German