Beffroi de l'Hôtel de ville de Lille

Town Hall in Lille

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Hotczar3

The Beffroi de l'Hôtel de Ville is one of the best places to visit in Lille, rising 104 meters above the city as France's tallest municipal belfry and a proud emblem of civic independence. Completed in 1932, it forms part of the modern town hall and stands as a striking contrast to the medieval belfries of northern Europe. It is also a great place to visit on a walking tour of Lille, where its Art Deco lines and sweeping views create an unforgettable stop.

Designed by Émile Dubuisson after World War I destroyed the old town hall, the belfry blends reinforced concrete with elegant brickwork and geometric detailing. Today it remains both a functional civic tower and one of the city’s most beloved viewpoints.

History and Significance of the Beffroi de Lille
Things to See and Do at the Beffroi de Lille
How to Get to the Beffroi de Lille
Practical Tips on Visiting the Beffroi de Lille
Where to Stay close to the Beffroi de Lille
Is the Beffroi de Lille Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Beffroi de Lille
Nearby Attractions to the Beffroi de Lille

History and Significance of the Beffroi de Lille

The tower was inaugurated in 1932 as part of Lille's new Hôtel de Ville, built to replace the historic town hall lost in wartime destruction. Municipal belfries have long symbolised local identity and autonomy in Flanders, and the Beffroi de Lille carries this tradition into the modern age. Recognised by UNESCO as part of the transnational Belfries of Belgium and France listing, it embodies both civic pride and architectural innovation.

Its reinforced concrete structure was pioneering for its time, while its Art Deco styling reflects the optimism and modernising ambitions of the interwar period. As Lille grew into a major northern French hub, the belfry became a beacon overlooking the city and the flat plains stretching toward Belgium.

Things to See and Do at the Beffroi de Lille

Visitors can ride an elevator most of the way up the tower before climbing a short staircase to the observation deck. From the top, sweeping views extend across Lille's red rooftops, the towers of Old Lille, the modern skyscrapers of Euralille, and on clear days even into Belgium.

The tower’s 25-bell carillon rings out over the surrounding district, adding to the atmosphere. At the base, the striking Art Deco town hall offers its own architectural interest, with geometric façades and sculptural details by Émile Dubuisson.

Photography enthusiasts will enjoy capturing the tower from Place Simon Vollant, where its height and brickwork are especially dramatic.

How to Get to the Beffroi de Lille

The belfry stands beside Lille's Hôtel de Ville, an easy walk from the city centre. The nearest airport is Lille Airport, which connects to the centre via airport shuttle or taxi. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Lille on Booking.com.

Lille Flandres and Lille Europe stations are within walking distance and offer frequent local and international rail connections. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Arriving by car is possible, with several underground car parks located near the town hall and boulevard areas around it. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Beffroi de Lille

Suggested tips: Ring the bell beside the wooden door at the entrance to alert staff for access.
Best time to visit: Clear afternoons for the best long-distance views.
Entrance fee: Usually a small fee; check current pricing on-site.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:30; last entry 45 minutes before closing.
Official website: Refer to Lille tourism pages.
How long to spend: 30-60 minutes.
Accessibility: Elevator available, but final staircase may be difficult for some visitors.
Facilities: Shops and cafés close by in the town hall district.
Photography tip: Capture the tower at sunset when it glows against the sky.
Guided tours: Occasionally available through the tourist office.
Nearby food options: Brasseries and bistros around the Hôtel de Ville.

Where to Stay close to the Beffroi de Lille

For central convenience, Novotel Lille Centre Gares offers modern comfort near both train stations. A more boutique option is Hotel L'Arbre Voyageur, blending contemporary design with warm hospitality. Another nearby choice is Hôtel de la Paix, ideal for travellers exploring the historic centre.

Is the Beffroi de Lille Worth Visiting?

Yes. This spot is one of the best places to see in Lille, offering a perfect combination of history, modern architecture, and panoramic views. Its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list and its role in Lille's identity make it a must-visit landmark.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (2,077)

Beffroi de Lille on Pl. Augustin Laurent rewards visitors with panoramic city and valley views reached by stairs or an internal lift; expect limited entry at a time so you may queue or be asked to return, lockers are available near reception, and staff can accommodate walk‑ins when slots open. Climbing involves multiple flights (readily manageable short steps for many visitors) to indoor and higher outdoor galleries with observation windows and displays identifying landmarks; the tower is well regarded for its vistas and is a good-value stop, though check opening times as hours can vary.

Mamata Bait

4 months ago

"UNESCO heritage site , opens at 10. I went without bookings on a Saturday and was asked to return at 11 due to pre booked individuals had preference.but while I was still waiting outside their gate the staff was kind to include me apparently there was still empty slot. Ticket 7 euros. One must walk 3 floors (109 steps) to be at the reception. Before that you must leave your sacs in the locker ( free of cost) & easy to operate. On upper floor there is a receptionist cash desert but ticket ( if not bought online) . Then you may choose to climb 5 floors or take elevator. I climbed and the steps are short and easy to climb around 400 steps to reach the top. Nice views and good info on display with list of spots one can observe . Overall enjoyable experience. It was bit windy upstairs . Each floor has observation windows too...."

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Sarah P

3 months ago

"We enjoyed our trip up this iconic belfry, we tried as it opened on a Sunday morning but the queue was full, by 4pm in the afternoon we only had towait 10 min. We chose to walk up all the stairs (not as difficult as I thought) and the view was well worth the climb. Really interesting to see the mix of architecture in Lille and an aerial view of the places we'd visited. Good value too!..."

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Michael Mayer

3 months ago

"An interesting building with stu ing views over Lille at the top. Only a limited number allowed up at a time so you may have to wait. Also, oddly,there are about 100 steps up to where the elevator takes you to the top indoor gallery for views over the surrounding countryside and sprawling city. Take the stairs up another level and you can go outside and study the view further. Lille is a strange mixture of beauty and brutalism and you can see how the intermingle from your lofty position...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Beffroi de Lille

Yes, via an elevator and a short staircase.

Yes, it is included in the Belfries of Belgium and France World Heritage listing.

104 meters, making it the tallest municipal belfry in France.

At the base of the tower on Place Simon Vollant; ring the bell for access.

Nearby Attractions to the Beffroi de Lille

Porte de Paris: A grand triumphal arch celebrating Louis XIV.
Palais des Beaux-Arts: One of France's major fine art museums.
Vieux-Lille: Historic district with charming Flemish architecture.
Lille Citadel: Vauban's famous star-shaped fortress.
Place du Théâtre: Home to the Opéra de Lille and historic façades.

The Beffroi de l'Hôtel de ville de Lille appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lille!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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