The Belfry of Lille

Monumental and warm, just like the people of the Nord, when it was inaugurated, this was the highest reinforced concrete tower in the world.

Even now, it is still the highest civilian belfry in the north of Europe. It was built between 1929 and 1932 by the architect Emile Dubuisson, who blended the traditional forms of Flemish Renaissance with the style and materials of the 20th century. It needed as many as 270 cement piles to support its weight, which exceeded that of the Eiffel Tower.

Bizarrely, nobody can confirm its exact height which varies, depending on the source, from 102 to 104 metres! The belfry and the town hall were established in the Saint-Sauveur district which used to be the poorest and most insalubrious in Lille.

Topped with a metallic tip, its conical spire has a beacon which is apparently visible over a 30 kilometre radius.

Other information

Full price entrance :
6,00 €

Guided tour : French German Dutch English