Beffroi de Douai
Standing 64 metres tall in the heart of the old city, Douai's Gothic belfry is one of the finest in northern France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 62-bell carillon rings out over cobbled streets with a resonance you feel in your chest.
A tower with a thousand-year story
Construction began in the 14th century and the tower has been rebuilt, burned and restored across the centuries, each era leaving its mark on the stone. Today the belfry anchors the Place d'Armes and serves as the civic symbol of the entire Douaisis region.
The carillon is one of the largest in Europe and trained carillonneurs perform concerts every Saturday morning, turning the square into an open-air concert hall. Victor Hugo visited and called the belfry 'superb'; standing beneath it, you will not disagree.
Climbing to the top
A guided visit lets you climb the interior staircase past the giant bells to a platform with sweeping views over the Flemish-tiled rooftops, the Scarpe river and the flat green plain stretching toward Belgium.
Tours run regularly through the tourist office and last about 45 minutes. The ascent is 196 steps, so wear comfortable shoes and take your time — the lantern room at the top rewards every one of them.
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