Tourcoing Town Hall and Belfry
Ascend this UNESCO-listed Belfry for unparalleled 360° views of Tourcoing and the Lille Métropole. A historical gem offering a rewarding climb.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free entry, no reservation needed!
Tourcoing Town Hall and Belfry
Best Time
Free entry, no reservation needed!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend this UNESCO-listed Belfry for unparalleled 360° views of Tourcoing and the Lille Métropole. A historical gem offering a rewarding climb.
"Stunning views from the top, a UNESCO heritage site, and an enjoyable climb!"
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially on weekends, to avoid waiting or missing out. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs! Even with the elevator, there are steps to navigate. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Top of the Belfry
Ascend to the summit for breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Tourcoing and the surrounding Lille metropolis.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore this historically significant belfry, recognized for its architectural and cultural importance.
Architectural Marvel
Admire the impressive architecture of the Town Hall and its iconic, towering belfry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Prepare for the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially on weekends, to avoid waiting or missing out. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs! Even with the elevator, there are steps to navigate. :athletic_shoe:
Interesting things to visit/do in Lille on a Sunday?
🌬️ Dress for Wind
It can get breezy at the top, so bring an extra layer for comfort. :cloud:
🎒 Locker Storage
Free lockers are available to store your bags before ascending. :handbag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially on weekends, to avoid waiting or missing out. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs! Even with the elevator, there are steps to navigate. :athletic_shoe:
🌬️ Dress for Wind
It can get breezy at the top, so bring an extra layer for comfort. :cloud:
🎒 Locker Storage
Free lockers are available to store your bags before ascending. :handbag:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible; don't forget your camera or phone! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tourcoing Town Hall and Belfry for its stunning panoramic views and historical significance as a UNESCO site. The climb, though involving stairs, is considered worthwhile, with the elevator providing accessibility. Some note potential wait times and the need for advance booking during busy periods.
"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."
Mamata Bait
"An interesting building with stunning 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."
Michael Mayer
"105 m high UNESCO world heritage site, the Best place to have 360 degree breathtaking view of Lille city. There is paid entry to the building 6euros. There is a lift after 100steps to the top.
Open 7 days a week from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm
The last visits take place 45 minutes before closing time.
The Belfry is accessible free of charge and without reservation on the first Wednesday of each month.
Children under 6 can visit the Belfry free of charge ."
Mala Jha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Town Hall and Belfry are centrally located in Tourcoing. You can reach Tourcoing easily by train from Lille (approx. 20 minutes). Once in Tourcoing, it's a short walk from the train station. Public transport within Tourcoing is also available.
There are several public parking options in the vicinity of the Town Hall and Belfry. It's advisable to check local parking apps or signs upon arrival as street parking can be limited.
Absolutely! Tourcoing is part of the Lille Métropole and is very well-connected by public transport, making it an easy day trip from Lille.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard entry fee is around 6-7 euros. However, it's free on the first Wednesday of each month, and children under 6 also get in free.
Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend visits, as only a limited number of people are allowed up at a time.
The Belfry is typically open from 10 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm, seven days a week. Last visits are usually 45 minutes before closing.
Yes, the first Wednesday of each month offers free access. Children under 6 also visit for free.
While possible, it's not advised. You might have to wait or be turned away if pre-booked individuals have priority.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There are approximately 100 steps to reach the elevator, and then around 400 more steps to the very top if you choose to climb all the way.
Yes, there is an elevator available after the initial set of stairs, which takes you to the indoor viewing gallery.
You'll get stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Tourcoing, the Lille metropolis, and the surrounding countryside on a clear day.
Yes, it can be quite windy at the top, so it's a good idea to bring an extra layer of clothing.
While the focus is on the view, there are observation windows and informational displays. Restrooms are typically available at the base.
📸 📸 Photography
Weekday mornings, especially when the sun is rising or setting, offer beautiful light and fewer crowds for photography.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Tripods might be restricted during peak hours. Always check onsite signage.
You can capture sweeping cityscapes, architectural details of the belfry itself, and panoramic landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring snacks and drinks, as options might be limited at the very top. Ensure children wear comfortable shoes for any stair climbing. The free lockers are handy for stowing strollers or bulky bags. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds and make the experience more relaxed for everyone.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Beyond the ticket price, the free locker service adds to the cost-effectiveness. Since the main attraction is the view and the experience of ascending the tower, there are no additional significant expenses once inside. Pack your own snacks and water to save on potential purchases.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Ascending the Belfry: A Journey to the Top
Once at the top, visitors are treated to spectacular 360-degree panoramic views. On a clear day, the vista extends across Tourcoing, the wider Lille Métropole, and into the surrounding countryside. Informational displays are often present, helping you identify landmarks. Be prepared for windy conditions at this height, so bringing an extra layer is advisable.
Many visitors find the climb, even with the stairs, to be an enjoyable part of the visit. The combination of historical architecture, physical activity, and the breathtaking reward at the summit makes it a memorable experience.
The Historical Significance of Tourcoing's Belfry
Constructed in the early 20th century, the Belfry is a striking example of the architectural styles of its time, blending historical influences with modern construction. Its imposing height and intricate design make it a prominent landmark in the city. The Town Hall itself is an equally impressive building, often admired for its grandeur and civic importance.
Visiting the Belfry offers not just a physical ascent but also a journey through the history of Tourcoing and the broader region. It’s a chance to connect with the past and appreciate the enduring legacy of these significant structures.
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