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 de Lille (Belfry of Lille Town Hall) is one of the most distinctive landmarks in northern France and a proud symbol of civic identity. Completed in 1932, the belfry was built as part of Lille’s modern Hôtel de Ville, replacing the old town hall destroyed during World War I. Standing at 104 meters, it is the tallest municipal belfry in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the broader listing of belfries across Belgium and France that reflect a unique tradition of communal autonomy and urban pride.

Designed by architect Émile Dubuisson, the belfry is a striking example of Art Deco architecture, with clean lines, geometric motifs, and brickwork that sets it apart from the Gothic style of many older bell towers. Its reinforced concrete structure was innovative at the time and represents the era’s forward-thinking spirit. The tower houses a carillon of 25 bells and offers panoramic views of Lille and the surrounding Flanders plains. An elevator takes visitors most of the way up, followed by a short stair climb to the observation deck.

From its upper levels, you can see not just the red rooftops of Lille’s historic center, but also the contrasting skyline of modern Euralille and even across to Belgium on a clear day. The belfry is more than a lookout—it’s a living part of Lille’s civic life, a beacon that blends history with modernity. Whether you’re climbing for the views, admiring the architecture, or simply connecting with Lille’s proud local identity, the Beffroi de l’Hôtel de Ville is a must-see piece of the city’s fabric.

The belfry is open for self-guided tours from Tuesday to Sunday, with visiting hours from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The last admission is 45 minutes before closing time. The Belfry is accessible by ringing the bell at the large wooden door at the base of the Belfry, on Place Simon Vollant.

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

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